UHS is committed to preventing cancer in the Southern Tier. Community outreach is key to this effort, with UHS staff providing education, screenings and assistance in making lifestyle changes to the public. Outreach programs in 2016 included:
From January through August 2016, 901 people took tobacco cessation classes at UHS. All attendees received a coupon for free nicotine replacement therapy. 25% of those coupons were redeemed for nicotine patches, lozenges or gum.
On June 18, 2016, UHS hosted a free dental clinic, where 33 patients were seen for dental issues and screened for oral cancer. There were 0 suspicious findings for cancer in any of these patients.
On October 6, 2016, community health nurses provided HPV education at a health fair at Union-Endicott High School. They surveyed students on their knowledge of HPV and related cancers before and after the session. Out of 100 students surveyed, 70 were aware that HPV causes cervical and other cancers, and 30 students stated this was new information to them.
