Posted on March 26, 2007 at 9:55 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Free screenings for head-and-neck cancers will be offered on April 20, 1-4 p.m., at the Kirklin Clinic at UAB, sponsored by the UAB Division of Otolaryngology. Call 205-934-0173 for an appointment.

The screenings are part of the 9th Annual International Oral and Head and Neck Cacner Awareness Week, endorsed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and by the American Head and Neck Society.

Oral and head and neck cancers will kill 12,500 Americans this year, and 65,000 more will be diagnosed with this group of diseases.

“Early detection of these cancers saves lives,” said William Carroll, M.D., UAB associate professor of surgery. “It’s critical to look for signs of early disease especially for those who have habits that put them at risk – such as smoking, chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol.”