More than 85 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco use.

Every year, seventy thousand Americans are diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck area. Most cases are caused by using tobacco. Dr. James Malone, assistant professor of otolaryngology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, describes head and neck cancer.

SOUND BITE: ". . . the most common types of head and neck cancers involve the lining of the mouth or the throat, the mucus membrane. It could involve the lips, the tongue, tonsils, or the voice box. But head and neck cancer can also involve various glands in the neck, including the salivary glands, the thyroid gland."

The warning signs can be subtle, which is why it is important for high-risk individuals to be screened for head and neck cancer. People who smoke or chew tobacco, consume alcohol regularly, or have a family history of head and neck cancer are recommended for screening. The screenings involve a head and neck examination -- looking at the ears, nose, the mouth and throat as well as examining the skin and feeling the neck for lumps and other abnormalities. Dr. Malone says treatment depends on the type of head and neck cancer. He explains the treatment options.

SOUND BITE: "For the most common type of squamous cell cancer, that can involve one of three forms of treatment or combination of therapies which would consist of either surgery to remove the tumor or radiation therapy to kill the tumor or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy or surgery and radiation."

Head and neck cancer screenings will be offered free by SIU School of Medicine in Springfield on Saturday, April 17th and Monday, April 19th. A few other locations in Illinois also will offer screenings this month. Check with your primary care physician to find a location near you or ask for a head and neck exam during your next office visit.