Over one and a half million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year, but with early detection many of those new patients will have good outcomes.

Jodi Stebler was diagnosed with neck cancer at the age of 38. She had never smoked and at first ignored the vague symptoms she was having.

Stebler said, “I thought I was too young for it to happen to me. If I would have checked they would have caught it sooner. Maybe it wouldn’t have been as far. I let my fear hold me back when I could have been treated sooner.”

According to Linda Diamond, a physician’s assistant in AGH’s head and neck surgery unit, Stebler isn’t alone in those feelings.

Diamond said, “It’s a fear of not wanting to come in if they have symptoms or just not aware they may be at risk.”

That is why the AGH Cancer Center is holding a free cancer awareness expo on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Those attending will be able to take a risk assessment to determine their potential risks for various types of cancer.

There will be an “Ask the Doctor” session with oncology physicians. Genetic professionals will be available for assessing your family history of cancer.

Free prostate and head and neck cancer exams will also be available, but registration is required for these exams. You can register by calling 1-877-284-2000.

Anyone attending will also be able to see a display of artwork done by local cancer patients and family members.

Everything from paintings to quilts is on display. Some of the works are by first-time artists like Stebler.

To read more, visit the WPXI web site.