Nîmes University Hospital Launches Free Screening Event for Head and Neck Cancers
Early detection remains the most critical factor in improving survival rates for head and neck cancers. To address this, the Nîmes University Hospital (CHU de Nîmes) is hosting a free screening and awareness event on Thursday, April 16, 2026, as part of the national “Rouge-Gorge” (Robin) campaign.
The initiative focuses on cancers affecting the mouth, throat, larynx, and nasal passages. According to oncology experts at the Institut de Cancérologie du Gard (ICG), these malignancies are often diagnosed too late, which significantly reduces the chances of a successful recovery. This event underscores the ongoing public health challenge of increasing awareness for these often-overlooked cancers.
Event Schedule and Locations
For those seeking medical evaluation, the hospital will offer walk-in ENT (Oto-Rhino-Laryngology) consultations on April 16, 2026, at Hall 1, Level -2, during the following times:
- 9:30 a.m. To 11:30 a.m.
- 2:00 p.m. To 3:30 p.m.
an information booth will be available in the Carémeau hall from 9:30 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. To provide resources and guidance to the public.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Medical professionals urge the public to be vigilant regarding specific symptoms that warrant an immediate visit to an ENT specialist. Doctors Sophie Bargas and Leticia Aptecar, oncologists at the ICG, highlight several red flags:
- Persistent pain in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Prolonged hoarseness
- Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal
“Detected early, ENT cancers are easier to treat, with much higher chances of cure and less invasive treatments,” the doctors noted.
The Broader Impact of ENT Cancers
The 2026 event also marks a decade of commitment to oncology at the CHU de Nîmes. The scale of the issue is significant; in France, approximately 15,000 new cases of ENT cancers are reported annually, resulting in nearly 5,000 deaths. In the Occitanie region, nearly 1,800 new cases are recorded each year, with about a hundred occurring in the Gard department.
While tobacco and alcohol are well-known primary risk factors, health officials note an increasing prevalence of infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a contributing factor. This shift in risk profiles emphasizes the require for broader screening efforts across different age groups to ensure timely intervention.
