MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and one healthcare group is providing protection to heroes across our hometowns. 

For the third straight year, Milwaukee VA offered free screenings to local veterans. 

Each screening did not require an appointment and only took around 15 minutes.

It's a quick and easy test but plays a vital role in early detection from one of the fastest rising cancers in the country.

"It is really important to detect it early on because we can manage it with an early on symptom, with a biopsy versus going through chemotherapy or having radical reception," said Dr. Kandice Klepper. 

There were also diet and lifestyle experts on hand to assist veterans with any questions they may have had. 

For more information about the free screenings, go to their website here.