UCH begins free cancer screening

Following increasing incidence of oral cancer in the country, a week-long free dental screening for cancer of the head, neck and mouth commenced at the University College Hos-pital (UCH), Ibadan, on Monday.

The free screening, being organised by the Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Initiative, in conjunction with Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, United State of America, Dr Ifeolu Akinmoladun said, would be extended to Idikan today and Bodija market tomorrow.

Dr Akinmoladun, who said the public needed to be aware of the menace, added that “many of the cases of oral cancer that we are seeing are not pleasant.”

He added that many of the cases came at a time when little or nothing could be done to help the patients.

“Many people do not recognise the symptoms of these cancers, which underscore the impor-tance of everyone getting screened properly, not just those at high risk, such as tobacco and alcohol users.

The oral cancer expert said common signs of oral cancer included red or white patches in the mouth, a change in voice or hoarseness, sore throat that did not subside, or pain or swelling in the mouth or neck.

He warned that if these symptoms were found to persist more than two weeks, such victims should report promptly at the hospital.

Dr Akinmoladun said cases of sore in the mouth, difficulty in speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, ear pain and bleeding from the nose must be reported at the hospital for immediate screening.

Dr Akinmoladun, who warned against oral sex, use of various forms of tobacco and alcohol, added that “when you see oral cancer in younger people who do not smoke, oral sex could be one of the reasons.”