Disclosure: I was provided with promotional product in exchange for sharing content. All views shared, however, are mine and mine alone.
Yesterday was the Boston Marathon, but it was also the last day of my 40 rounds of radiation I had 10 years earlier, for my stage 2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In addition to radiation, I also had 3 rounds of high dose chemotherapy to treat my head and neck cancer. And, come May 1st, I will be celebrating 10 years in remission. Woohoo!
If you follow my blog, then you have probably read a post or two about my cancer journey. And, in years past, I have also shared the importance of cancer screenings, and observed different cancer awareness months, as my family (on both sides) has had to deal with multiple cancer diagnoses -- unfortunately, I was the only one of those diagnosed with cancer that is still living today. So, I try and make a point to celebrate my new lease on life by not just giving back to cancer causes and non-profits to help find new cancer treatments and hopefully one day cures, but also want all my readers to know that simple screenings, like skin and oral screenings -- which are usually offered free during observed -- can save your life.
Did you know that April is Oral Caner Month? Here is a startling statistic for you...
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Yesterday was the Boston Marathon, but it was also the last day of my 40 rounds of radiation I had 10 years earlier, for my stage 2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In addition to radiation, I also had 3 rounds of high dose chemotherapy to treat my head and neck cancer. And, come May 1st, I will be celebrating 10 years in remission. Woohoo!
If you follow my blog, then you have probably read a post or two about my cancer journey. And, in years past, I have also shared the importance of cancer screenings, and observed different cancer awareness months, as my family (on both sides) has had to deal with multiple cancer diagnoses -- unfortunately, I was the only one of those diagnosed with cancer that is still living today. So, I try and make a point to celebrate my new lease on life by not just giving back to cancer causes and non-profits to help find new cancer treatments and hopefully one day cures, but also want all my readers to know that simple screenings, like skin and oral screenings -- which are usually offered free during observed -- can save your life.
Did you know that April is Oral Caner Month? Here is a startling statistic for you...
"In 2018, an estimated 51,540 people will contract oral cancer and an estimated 10,030 people will die as a result, says the American Cancer Society."
Astounding number of people right? A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with tongue cancer and will be fighting for her life next week with a similar regimen of radiation and chemo. Like me, she found a mass in her mouth and after multiple doctors and finally a biopsy and removal, a cancer diagnosis was made.
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"In celebration of Oral Cancer Awareness Month (April), Great Expressions Dental Centers is speaking out against oral cancer by sharing the below facts about the disease and the importance of monitoring your oral health.
In addition to sharing oral cancer facts (see below), GEDC will also be giving all patients in April complimentary oral ID screenings, a two-minute exam that aids in catching oral cancer at early stages.
Great Expressions Dental Centers Speak Out Facts
1. Oral cancer comprises 85 percent of all head and neck cancers
2. At least 75 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer have been tobacco users
3. Any sore in your mouth not healed within 14 days, should be looked at by a professional as it could be oral cancer
5. Oral cancer will cause nearly 10,000 deaths this year
6. Oral cancer kills roughly one person per hour, 24 hours a day
7. 86 percent of oral cancer cases are in those over 50 years old
8. Examine your mouth monthly for sores and symptoms
9. Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women
10. Drinking alcohol to excess is linked to a third of all oral cancer cases
11. The human papillomavirus is a leading cause of oral cancer
12. Oral cancer occurs twice as often in African American populations than Caucasians
13. The five-year survival rate of oral cancer is 50 percent
14. There is no way to prevent oral cancer, but you can take measures to lower your risk
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If you are in need of a dental exam, why not check and see if there is a Great Expressions Dental Center near you. If not, when you see your primary care doctor again, ask for an oral mouth screening. The screening is quick and painful, and can save your life. I would hate for you to have to go through the cancer treatments I had to because of a cancer caught too late. To learn more about Great Expressions Dental Centers visit https://www.greatexpressions.com/ today.
Disclosure: I was provided with promotional product in exchange for sharing content. All views shared, however, are mine and mine alone.
