April is Oral Cancer Screening Month and Mercy Cancer Center is organizing a free screening event in collaboration with FCI- North Iowa Dental Clinic for the Uninsured and Underinsured at its clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7 at Mercy’s West Campus, 910 N. Eisenhower Ave. in Mason City.

According to a press release, the screening is important for anyone who has a sore spot or pain in the mouth or throat or an unexplained change in voice.

An estimated 49,670 people were diagnosed with oral cancers last year, and approximately 1.1 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with oral cancers at some point during their lifetime, according to the release.

Traditionally oral cancers have been associated with tobacco use, but recently there has been significantly increased rates in younger nonsmoking patients related to the HPV virus.

The majority are found as late-stage disease. This accounts for the very high death rate — about half of those diagnosed will not survive more than five years. The good news is that a doctor or hygienist can see or feel the precancerous tissue changes, which might lead to a cancer.

To schedule an appointment, call 641-428-6367. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.