In recognition of Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Trinitia Cannon, MD, Professor of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, and Leda Scearce, MS, Clinical Affiliate in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences led a team of Duke medical students in a community-based head and neck cancer screening event on April 4, 2026. The event was hosted by Root Causes and took place during the organization’s weekly produce distribution from 9:00–10:30 a.m., integrating preventive health care into an existing community resource.
The interdisciplinary team completed 27 head and neck cancer screenings, provided education on early warning signs and risk factors, and distributed free oral care supplies to participants. Medical student volunteers included G’Vanni Puchi, Ashley Lin, Vince D’Anniballe, Katherine Owensby, Nicole Miller, and Edward Frails III.
Root Causes is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity and other social determinants of health through integrated, dignity-centered services. By pairing fresh food access with health education and preventative care, Root Causes creates meaningful opportunities to support whole-person wellness within the community.