Salem Cancer Institute at Salem Hospital is providing free head and neck cancer screenings to the community on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This quick and painless screening is offered on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment necessary. Screenings will take place on the first floor of Building C on the Salem Hospital Campus, located at 875 Oak St. SE.

The screening includes a personalized evaluation of risk factors, a careful examination of the neck, throat and mouth for signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, and an opportunity to ask questions and learn how you can reduce your risk. For more information call Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321.

Tobacco use, alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancers according to the National Cancer Institute. Symptoms may include a lump or sore in the mouth that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, or a change or hoarseness in the voice.

In addition to the free head and neck screening, Salem Hospital is hosting a free educational opportunity to learn about oral infections from HPV and the relationship to head and neck cancers. OHSU specialist Cristina Rodriquez, MD, will discuss “HPV and Head and Neck Cancer: A Rising Epidemic.” Open to the public, this event will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m. on the Salem Hospital Campus in the Creekside Dining Room located on the first floor of Building D. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 503-562-4321.

For Portland-area residents, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is providing free head and neck cancer screenings on Friday, April 19 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come to the OHSU Center for Health & Healing Lobby, 3303 SW Bond Ave., near the Portland Aerial Tram. For more information call 503-418-9235 or visit ohsuknightcancer.com/headandneck.

Salem Cancer Institute, which is affiliated with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, is a part of Salem Health. Salem Health is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/salemhealth.