RANSON, W.Va. – Oral cancer is on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, over 34,000 Americans are diagnosed and an estimated 6,900 will die of these cancers each year.
On Monday, December 5, the West Virginia University School of Medicine will offer free oral cancer 
screenings in the first floor conference room at WVU Hospitals-East Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Ranson. Dr. Majid Shafiei, Clinical Professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine, will be coordinating the event along with other volunteer medical professionals from the area. The screenings will take place from 8am – 11am.
The screenings are part of a campaign to encourage early detection and treatment of oral cancer. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can increase an individual’s risk of oral cancer.
“Oral cancer often occurs on the tonsils, tongue, and gums. It often goes unidentified for months because it .jpg)
typically is not painful and may be located somewhere that is not so easy to self-examine,” Dr. Shafiei said. “Screenings like this allow for early detection of possible problems, and participants will be advised to seek formal medical evaluation and biopsy if there are suspicious findings,” he added.
These free oral cancer screenings are open to the public, and no appointment is required. For more information, call WVUH-East Ear, Nose, and Throat at 304.262.9400.