Cancer Spots Detected at Benefit in Irving, TX
On September 20th, we had the tre
mendous opportunity to participate at Pegasus Skating Group and Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) SKATE4SPOHNC event. The event was held in Irving, Texas.
We had a chance to examine about 20 people and to our surprise, there were many over five possible cancer spots that were detected and documented. We were thankful to have been there in order to detect the cancer.
We also had a pleasure to meet many oral cancer survivors that are determined to fight this battle with us.
Special thanks go to Rick Agee who put this event together and to the hospitable and friendly participants that made this event an unforgettable memory.
“Together we fight oral cancer. Together we save a life every hour.” – The Fight Oral Cancer Foundation
HPV Linked to Oral Cancer
The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, comes in many forms. It has been found that HPV-16 is in fact a leading cause of oral cancer. Recently, a study at John Hopkins Oncology Center reiterated already strong findings of a link between HPV and oral cancer.
In 25% of 253 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers, the tissue taken from tumors was HPV positive and HPV-16 was present in 90% of these positive HPV tissues. This information helps to confirm that there is a strong link between HPV-16 and oral cancer.
How Is It Contracted?
In the past, the largest cause of oral cancer was smoking. However, with the increase in smoking education and the decrease in the number of people who smoke, there has been a reduction in reported head and neck cancers. However, throat cancer rates have remained steady. Why is that? Studies reveal that HPV can be transferred through oral sex. In recent generations oral sex has become a more commonly practiced sexual act and more widely accepted among the younger population. However, with oral sex being practiced, the risk for contacting HPV, leading to oral cancer also increases.
MD Anderson released a 2007 publication stating,
“A link between throat cancer, oral sex and the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) has prompted researchers to encourage vaccination of boys with the HPV virus if ongoing studies deem it safe and effective in preventing viral infection…”
HPV is a disease that can “hide.” Although it can be removed and may no longer be visible, if provoked by stress or another aggrevator, it can reappear. In the same way, HPVs can be in existence for a long time and yet remain dormant. Thus, a person can be at risk for oral cancer and not be aware.
Free Oral Cancer Screenings – Irving, TX
Pegasus Skating Group and Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) are coming together for the SKATE4SPOHNC event. The Fight Oral Cancer Foundation will be providing free oral cancer screenings at SKATE4SPOHNC and Arma Shahidi will be signing autographs and taking pictures.
Location: Campion Trail, T.W. Richardson Grove Park, 333 East I-635, Irving, TX
Details of the Event: Come and skate with the Pegasus Skating Group or bring your bike, walking and/or jogging shoes. Have your picture made with 2009 Mrs. International. Enjoy free food, have a good time and show your support for SPOHNC.
Time: Event is from 9am-11am; Autographs from 11am-12pm
Advanced Gum Disease May Raise Cancer Risk
This article clearly shows the importance of seeing your hygienist every six month and have your teeth cleaned.
from WebMD
Taking care of your teeth and gums may not only save your smile, it could save your life. A new study suggests a common form of gum disease may significantly raise the risk of head and neck cancer. Researchers found that people diagnosed with head and neck cancers were much more likely to have chronic periodontitis than people without cancer. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that leads to progressive loss of bone and soft tissue that surround the teeth. More…
