Source: indarticles.com
Author: staff

A support group for people with oral and head and neck cancer is looking to send a message Saturday with its inaugural Oral Cancer Awareness Walk, co-sponsored by the Oral Cancer Foundation.

“Last year approximately 35,700 new cases were diagnosed in the United States, and there were about 7,600 deaths,” walk organizers said in a news release. “Sixty percent of people aren’t diagnosed until the cancer has progressed to Stage III or IV, and almost half of those victims die within five years. But if caught early, oral cancer has one of the highest overall treatment and survival rates.”

Organizers hope the walk will call attention to the importance of early detection and prevention, not only to the general public but to dentists, who spot problems.

Perhaps the highest-profile patient is movie critic Roger Ebert, who has recently detailed his battle with oral cancer. Locally, Jeanna Richelson, an engineer at Siskin Steel, has shared her story. Now cancer-free, she is spearheading the support group, known officially as the Chattanooga Chapter of Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer.

“When I was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2001, I had no idea how my life would be changed forever,” she said in the news release. “If I can save one life or keep one person from having to go through the hardships that me and so many others have gone through, it will be worth it.”

Registration for the walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark off Amnicola Highway. The 3-mile walk starts at 11, rain or shine. Registration fee is $20 per walker.