Oral Cancer Support Group Tonight!
Baylor Hospital in Plano hosts an Oral/Head & Neck Cancer Support Group once a month. This month Dr. Lee Fitzgerald and Arma Fitzgerald will be discussing oral cancer and the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation. The group will be held today, March 2, 2010 at 6:00pm.
This group is a part of the SPOHNC group that we participated in a fundraising event in September of 2009.
Visit the Baylor Health Group page for more information on the support group.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Online Oral Cancer Quiz
Knowing is half the battle and knowing early gives you a better chance at victory! At your next dental appointment ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam. Many dentists are making this a routine part of every dental examination, so you’ll want to make sure that you are receiving this service with each dental examination.
For those that have not had an oral cancer exam recently, there is also an oral cancer quiz that you can take that might shed some light on the situation. According to Medical News Today:
Having regular dental exams is the most important step, but knowing what to look for between check-ups is also critical.
Cigna Healthcare provides a short quiz that will test your knowledge on oral cancer. Click here to view the oral cancer quiz.
Knowing is half the battle.
“Together we fight oral cancer. Together we save a life every hour.“
Happy New Year
May this coming year be full of wonderful experiences and new joys!
We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons!
Fight Oral Cancer Foundation in Plano Insider
We are so excited that the press has been receptive to our message concerning the dangers of oral cancer. In addition to the piece in D Magazine which was mentioned in a previous post, Founder of the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation, Arma Shahidi Fitzgerald, was featured in the Plano Insider. The article talks about why she started the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation.
Fight oral cancer in D-Magazine
We had an opportunity to sit down with Jennifer, Managing Editor of Special Sections of D Magazine, to discuss the importance of raising public awareness in regards to oral cancer. You can read more about our conversation published in the July issue of D Magazine on news stands now.
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- Fight oral cancer conversation with D Magazine
FOCF and Neiman Marcus event
Armaiti Shahidi Fitzgerald and the Mayor of Plano Phil Dyer (left)
State Proclamation for May as Fight Oral Cancer month (right)
The Fight Oral Cancer Foundation fundraising event hosted by Neiman Marcus was a huge success.
A private luncheon was hosted by Neiman Marcus and Dior to celebrate the proclamation of the month of May as Fight Oral Cancer month signed by the City of Plano and The State of Texas.
Why Is Oral Cancer In The Rise?
One of the causes of oral cancer is exposure to HPV virus or Human Papilloma Virus. The same virus responsible for Cervical Cancer in women. Unfortunately with the increase in our young generation engaging in oral sex more frequently than in the past generations and doing so at an even earlier age. It is expected that there will be a dramatic rise in oral cancer with the aging of this younger generation.
Early Detection
It is important to find oral cancer as early as possible when it can be treated more successfully. An oral cancer examination can detect early signs of cancer. Oral cancer exams are painless and quick and take only a few minutes. Your regular dental check-up is an excellent opportunity to have the exam. During the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips and entire mouth for possible signs of cancer.
Some parts of the pharynx are not visible during an oral cancer exam. Talk to your dentist about whether a specialist should check your pharynx.
What Are The Signs Of Oral Cancer?
Signs of oral cancer are any white, red or dark areas of the mouth and neck that are unusual in shape, raised, swollen and/or ulcerated and do not go away within 10-14 days. There are also rare cancers that are within the bones of the jaws that can only be seen using dental x-rays. Cancerous areas are usually without pain or symptoms and at late stages become visible. Early stage cancer is rarely visible and can only be detected using dyes, scopes and dental x-rays that your dentist can use and usually done at dental hygiene visits.
