Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
April 13 - April 17
About Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week takes place from 13 to 17 April 2026 across the United States, coinciding with Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Organised by the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation (HNCF), the week centres on free walk-in oral cancer screening exams offered at dental and oral surgery offices nationwide, promoting early detection of cancers that affect the mouth, throat, larynx, and related structures.
What is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week?
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week is an annual campaign led by the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation to provide free oral cancer screenings and educate the public about head and neck cancers. The week features walk-in screening events at participating dental offices and oral surgery practices across the country. These non-invasive examinations take just a few minutes and require no appointment, insurance, or pre-registration. The campaign also raises awareness about the connection between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers, and the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.
When is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week?
In 2026, Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week runs from Monday, 13 April to Friday, 17 April. The week falls during Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month (April) and is timed to maximise visibility for the free screening programme.
Why Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week Matters
Head and neck cancers rank sixth among the most prevalent cancers in the United States, and roughly 50% of diagnoses are considered late stage, making treatment significantly more complex. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2026, with about 13,150 deaths. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes — the five-year survival rate for cancers detected at an early stage is approximately 86%, compared to just 40% for late-stage diagnoses. Free screenings during this week address a critical gap, particularly for people without dental insurance or regular access to oral healthcare.
How to Get Involved in Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
Here are practical ways to participate in the week:
- Find a free screening location — The HNCF hosts free walk-in oral cancer screening exams at over 60 dental and oral surgery offices across 19 states. Visit the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation website to find a participating location near you.
- Encourage others to get screened — Share information about the free screening programme with friends, family, and colleagues. Many people do not know that quick, painless oral cancer screenings exist.
- Learn the signs and symptoms — Familiarise yourself with warning signs such as persistent mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, chronic hoarseness, or unexplained ear pain. Share this knowledge widely.
- Spread awareness on social media — Post about the week using hashtags such as #OHANCAW and #HeadAndNeckCancer. Share facts about early detection and the free screening programme.
- Ask your dentist about oral cancer screening — Even if you cannot attend a free screening event, request an oral cancer screening at your next routine dental visit. Many dentists include this as part of their standard examination.
- Discuss HPV vaccination — HPV causes 60-70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the US. Talk to your healthcare provider about HPV vaccination for yourself or your children.
- Support cancer research — Donate to the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, the Oral Cancer Foundation, or the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance to support screening programmes and research.
History of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
The Head and Neck Cancer Foundation established its annual free screening programme to tackle the persistent problem of late-stage diagnosis in head and neck cancers. The programme has grown substantially over the years, expanding from a handful of locations to over 60 participating dental and oral surgery offices across 19 states. The foundation partners with oral surgeons, dentists, and medical professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to provide the screenings.
The awareness week builds on broader efforts by organisations including the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (formerly the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which have championed public education about these cancers since the late twentieth century. As the role of HPV in causing oropharyngeal cancers became clearer in the 2000s and 2010s, the awareness campaign expanded its messaging to include HPV education and vaccination advocacy.
Noteworthy Facts About Oral, Head and Neck Cancer
- Free screening exams during the awareness week are available at over 60 locations across 19 US states, with no appointment, insurance, or pre-registration required.
- Head and neck cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women, with an average age at diagnosis of 64.
- HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers have surpassed HPV-related cervical cancers in incidence in the United States.
- Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption remain the leading risk factors for non-HPV-related head and neck cancers.
- When detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for oral and oropharyngeal cancers is approximately 86%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week?
It is an annual awareness campaign featuring free walk-in oral cancer screening exams at dental offices across the United States, organised by the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation to promote early detection of head and neck cancers.
When is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in 2026?
The week runs from Monday, 13 April to Friday, 17 April 2026, during Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.
Do I need insurance or an appointment for the free screening?
No. The free screenings are walk-in events that require no appointment, insurance, or pre-registration. The non-invasive oral examination takes just a few minutes.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #OHANCAW and #EarlyDetectionSavesLives on social media. Spreading the word about free screenings could save a life.
Related Awareness Days
- Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month — The month-long April campaign that encompasses this awareness week, promoting education about head and neck cancer prevention and treatment.
- Bowel Cancer Awareness Month — Also observed in April, raising awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, screening, and early detection.
- Skin Cancer Awareness Month — Held in May, highlighting sun safety and the importance of regular skin checks for early cancer detection.
Links
- Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Screening Programme
- Oral Cancer Foundation
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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