News

March 22, 2016

Holy Family Hospital Physicians Offering Free Head and Neck Cancer Screenings

Gentry Thatcher, MD, a board-certified ear, nose and throat physician with New England ENT/Facial Plastic Surgery, will hold free head and neck cancer screenings at Holy Family Hospital on Thursday, April 21, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the ground floor Outpatient Clinic.

According to Dr. Thatcher, the vast majority of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco use, making it one of the most preventable diseases.

People who smoke, chew tobacco, consume alcohol, or have a prior history of head and neck cancer, have a greater risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Symptoms include a lump, a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice.
 
If we help individuals and families understand the risk factors and symptoms, we increase the likelihood
that they will eliminate high-risk habits, and have regular check-ups, to help find cancer in its early stages,
when it is easy to treat and cure," said Dr. Thatcher.

During April, Colden & Seymour ENT will also hold free head and neck cancer screenings at its North Andover office.

Daryl Colden, MD, will offer free screenings on Tuesday, April 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Peter Seymour, MD will offer free screenings on Wednesaday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Colden & Seymour ENT is located at 200 Sutton St., Suite 100, North Andover, MA.

To schedule a free screening with Dr. Thatcher, Dr. Colden, or Dr. Seymour, please call Holy Family Hospital's DoctorFinder line at 1-800-488-5959.