The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, part of the statewide Karmanos Cancer Network anchored by the National Cancer Institute-designated Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, is once again hosting a free oral cancer screening open to the public.
Individual screenings will be performed at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb (1080 Harrington Boulevard, on the campus of McLaren Macomb hospital) on Mon., Aug. 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The fastest growing form of cancer, with more than 54,000 annual diagnoses in Michigan, health care professionals can see or feel pre-cancerous tissue that may indicate the presence of cancer through a noninvasive, painless screening.
Participants with abnormal findings will be referred to a nurse navigator for a follow-up with a physician.
Following last year’s screening, in which more than 20 members of the community were screened, two people — nearly 10 percent of all participants — were discovered to have abnormalities consistent with oral cancer and were provided with a referral for critical monitoring though they were not experiencing any symptoms.
“The very nature of oral cancers, in that it can affect anyone and originate from a viral infection that can go unnoticed, makes this a vital screening applicable to everyone,” said Pat Keigher, Regional Director of Cancer Services for the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb. “This screening is five minutes that could make a big impact on the lives of many.”
Oral cancers originate from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can infect a patient without them being aware of it and without presenting any symptoms.
There are risk factors, too, that increase a patient’s risk of developing oral cancer, and include:
- Tobacco/Alcohol use
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Gender (men are more likely to develop)
- Race (African Americans are more likely to develop)
Screenings are available by appointment only, and spots are limited. To make an appointment, call (586) 493-7510.
Learn more about the cancer services offered at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb at karmanos.org/macomb.
About McLaren Macomb
McLaren Macomb is a 288-bed acute care hospital located in Mount Clemens, Mich. More than 400 physicians and nearly 2,000 employees work at McLaren Macomb making it one of Macomb County’s top employers. McLaren Macomb provides a full range of services, including cancer, surgical services, orthopedics and cardiovascular care. As Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, the hospital operates the busiest emergency department in Macomb County. It is also an accredited chest pain center, a certified primary stroke center and an accredited bariatric and metabolic center. McLaren Macomb is a leader in graduate medical education, offering nine residency programs and three fellowship programs. McLaren Macomb has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care and holds a strong position in the community it serves. Learn more at mclaren.org/macomb.
About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a $7.3 billion, fully integrated health care delivery system committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 12 hospitals in Michigan, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 640-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 732,838 lives in Michigan and Indiana, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. McLaren has 28,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 113,000 network providers throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Learn more at mclaren.org.