Cancer Survivors, Dentist and Doctor to Share Importance of Screenings During Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
AZ Dental Association and Maricopa Integrated Health System Partner to Host Screening Event



PHOENIX – Ten minutes might be all you need to save your life. That's about how long it takes to get screened for oral, head and neck cancer.

The Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) and Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) are partnering to offer a free screening Friday, April 16, 2010, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Maricopa Medical Center dental clinic. The event is in partnership with National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, taking place April 12 – 18.

More than 35,000 Americans were diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck last year. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize symptoms of these life-threatening diseases, which include cancer of the lips, mouth, tongue, throat and voice box . Head and neck cancer is one of the most common, yet most preventable, cancers.

To talk about the importance of early detection, two local oral cancer survivors, a dentist and doctor will share their stories and the importance of regular dental and health checkups. Speakers include:
  • Mike Goff – of Litchfield Park. His dentist's office diagnosed a lesion in his mouth which turned out to be cancerous 25 years ago. He is alive today because of early detection.
  • Paul Monoghan – of Buckeye. His dentist diagnosed a cancerous mouth lesion in 2006. He had a portion of his jaw and floor of his mouth removed, and underwent radiation treatment. He had a total jaw replacement and has made a full recovery.
  • Dr. Allison House, DDS – AzDA member dentist who was inspired to become a dentist when her father was diagnosed with oral cancer.

For more information on National Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, visit www.headandneck.org.

WHAT: Oral, head and neck cancer screening event. Reporters covering this event will be offered a chance to be screened for their stories.

WHO: Two local oral cancer survivors, an AzDA dentist and a MIHS doctor

WHERE: Dental Clinic at Maricopa Medical Center (located inside the Comprehensive Health Center), 2525 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix.

WHEN: Friday, April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Media event at 1:30pm.