A Survivor’s Take on Oral Cancer Screening Effectiveness
It’s always eye-opening when you come across the stories of those that have survived oral cancer and their battle against it. There is no one like a survivor that understands the “real deal”. Recently, we ran across an article of a chef that survived. The article made a true assertion: we have to be our own advocates. It is up to the individual to really push the professional to look for oral cancer. Oral cancer is not easily diagnosed, so it should be monitored by the individual and second, third and even fourth opinions are worth the effort.
See below for a clip of the article discussing the type of oral cancer test that did not work for him and what he suggests for the reader. You can find the full article here.
The hardest part for Achatz is how easily the spot could have been identified as cancerous had doctors administered something called a “brush test.” “If even one of my dentists had used this simple test, my whole ordeal could have been avoided,” he writes. He urges anyone who sees or feels a spot on his or her tongue to see a dentist who uses the brush test, which tests the cells beneath the spot to see whether it is precancerous.
As always…
“Together we fight oral cancer. Together we save a life every hour.”
FOCF helping Baylor Research – Oral Cancer Patients Needed
Baylor College of Dentistry is active in the fight against oral cancer. They are actively researching the disease in order to have success in fighting it. In order to be successful, they need saliva samples from those that have been diagnosed with oral cancer. Baylor especially needs samples from patients that have not yet begun treatment. It takes less than 30 minutes and they will pay you or your favorite charity for your saliva donation.
For more information, please view Baylor flyer.
If you can participate in this important study, please contact:
Lee Jordan, Department of Diagnostic Sciences,
TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry,
(214) 370-7213
Jordan@bcd.tamhsc.edu
Fight Oral Cancer Holding Free Oral Cancer Screening
Fight Oral Cancer Foundation (FOCF) will be holding a free oral cancer screening at Campion Trail, T.W. Richardson Grove Park on September 19th.
Support Groups are an important part of walking through the treatment process for those that have been diagnosed with oral cancer. SPOHNC (short for Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer) is committed to developing programs to support those that are on that journey.
Last year the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation had the privilege of participating in the SPOHNC fundraiser in Irving. While at the event we conducted free oral cancer screenings. Dr. Fitzgerald screened many attendees and referred 5 attendees to seek further diagnosis from doctors.
FOCF in collaboration with SPOHNC is delighted to be a part of this event again this year on September 19th. We will be conducting free oral cancer screenings. You are invited to come out to the event and be a part of the great work that SPOHNC is doing to make a difference in the lives of those that have fallen victim to this horrible disease.
Click here for the full sized poster in PDF format.
Date:
September 19, 2010
Location:
Campion Trail, T.W. Richardson Grove Park
333 East Interstate 635
Irving, TX
Time:
Start Time: 7am
Screening: 9-11am
African American Men Are at Highest Risk of Oral Cancer
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reported recently that African Americans are at the highest risk for contracting oral cancer. In an effort to raise awareness and provide helpful information regarding risk factors, they have put together the below informative video. Please watch and feel free to offer any comments you might have.
Human Beta Defensin-3 Ignites in Oral Cancer Growth
Recently, Science Daily posted an article with updates on advancements in oral cancer research. According to the article, early detection could save upwards of 40,000 people daily. Below is an excerpt of this groundbreaking news:
“Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers discovered a biomarker, called human beta defensin-3 (hBD-3), which may serve as an early warning. The defensin is present in all oral cancers and associated with the early stages of oral cancer.
‘Using the biomarker to detect oral cancer holds potential for saving lives when the cancer is most curable. Annually some 10,000 people die from this cancer,’ said Ge Jin, assistant professor of biological sciences at the dental school.
He led the study, which appears in the online journal PLoS ONE, published by the Public Library of Science.
Oral cancer first appears as white or red lesions in the mouth, the same as noncancerous lesions.
Often, the lesions are not biopsied, and cancer is not discovered until it becomes apparent in its later stages, when it has metastasized to other organs. Such a late-stage diagnosis is generally fatal and can result in costly surgeries and treatments or disfigurement that may include removing parts of the tongue, jaw and cheek. All this can be avoided with early removal of the lesion.”
Click here for the complete Science Daily article regarding the role of hBDs in oral health and the potential of using this biomarker to detect oral cancer early.
