The number of cancers of the head, neck and mouth are rising faster than ever before.
That's why doctors at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and the UT Health System are offering free screenings for anyone who walks in on Friday.
The free screenings will take place between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the 27th floor of the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street.
Tony Lentola knows the importance of screenings all too well. During a routine check-up, doctors made a startling discovery.
"You know, the big C word," said Lentola.
He was diagnosed with cancer in his tonsils.
"To hear that it was kinda like a punch in the solarplex—you're not expecting it," he said.
"This type of cancer is much more common now in the United States than it was 30 years ago," said Dr. Ron Karni, UT Health ENT surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
Doctors say oral, head and neck cancer traditionally is linked to smoking, but now screening is important because it's also linked to the sexually transmitted virus HPV.
"Sometimes as young as in their 30s, up to their 60s and 70s, and they really don't carry an obvious risk factor that they know about," said Karni.
Screening only takes five minutes, and it's a simple visit with the doctor and physical exam. The goal is to catch cancer early. Because Lentola caught it when he did, he avoided chemo and got rid of his cancer with surgery.
"We all take life for granted, but when you go through something like that" it puts life in perspective, Lentola said. "It's your loved ones, it's your family."
Lives he says a simple screening can save.
