The Oral Cancer Foundation

Actor’s diagnosis puts spotlight on oral cancer

By: Donna Domino, Associate Editor Source: DrBicuspid.com Actor Michael Douglas' recent revelation that he has stage IV oropharyngeal cancer has highlighted the growing incidence of oral cancer, and experts say dentists can help stem the alarming increase of the disease by checking for it during routine examinations. “Tobacco is no longer the only bad guy.” — Brian Hill, executive director, Oral Cancer Foundation The actor's cancer includes a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue, and he will require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Douglas says his doctors told him he has an 80% survival rate if it hasn't spread to his lymph nodes. While tobacco was the prime cause of oral cancer in the past, recent studies have attributed the steady increase of the disease to the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are approximately 130 versions of HPV but only nine cause cancers, and the HPV16 version causes almost half of the oral cancers in the U.S., said Brian Hill, executive director of the Oral Cancer Foundation. "Tobacco is no longer the only bad guy," he told DrBicuspid.com. “HPV16 is increasing in incidence as the causative etiology, and if it continues on this trend line, it will replace tobacco as the primary cause of oral cancers." Dentists can play a key role in catching the disease in its early stages if they check for it during examinations, Hill pointed out. "But many dentists think it's such a rare disease that they don't bother to screen for it," he said. [...]

Charlotte Parker2017-03-29T19:08:30-07:00September, 2010|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Hundreds of Chattanooga residents join together to support oral cancer survivor and raise awareness

Source: The Oral Cancer Foundation Author: Staff Chattanooga Walk Promotes Early Detection of Oral Cancer NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recently, oral cancer survivor Jeanna Richelson, organized the first Chattanooga Oral Cancer Awareness Walk, which raised donations for the Oral Cancer Foundation, and much needed awareness of a disease that too few Americans know about. According to the foundation's executive director Brian Hill, "I don't believe there has ever been an oral cancer walk that was this successful in its first year. This was an absolutely amazing effort by Jeanna and those who helped her make this possible." Unlike other cancers we commonly hear about, oral cancer is a disease the majority of the public has heard little about, even though it has one of the highest death rates. Even with famous people who have passed away from this disease such as, Babe Ruth, Sigmund Freud, and George Harrison, it still receives little attention. While walks have become commonplace in many other diseases, raising awareness is no longer part of their function. By having a walk to raise awareness of oral cancer, it also raises awareness of risk factors that people might avoid, encourages simple inexpensive annual screenings, which will in turn reduce the death rate. Jamie O'Day, the treatment facilities coordinator for OCF commented, "This is a disease that in its early stages of development does not always produce symptoms that people might notice. Because of the insidious nature of oral cancer, annual screenings are essential to finding it as precancerous tissue changes, [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-06-21T19:24:56-07:00June, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Nashville hygienists partner with Oral Cancer Foundation to raise awareness of a silent killer

Source: The Oral Cancer Foundation Author: Staff Locals join together for second annual Oral Cancer walk and free screening event NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the second year, the Nashville Area Dental Hygienists Society (NADHS) has organized a successful walk to promote oral cancer awareness for a disease that affects so many, yet so few know about. Hundreds of Nashville locals gathered for the "Boot Scootin' for Oral Cancer Screening II" event that recently took place at Nashville's Centennial Park to raise disease awareness, and funds for the Non-Profit Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF). The walk was lead by NADHS president Nicki Raines, who encouraged the organization to embrace the cause of oral cancer detection when she began her two-year presidential term. Her committee worked countless hours to ensure that the event would top last year's successful effort. Nicki's team was able to generate a local buzz for the walk through posters displayed at area Starbucks and Panera Bread stores, and via news releases sent to all local media. Local merchants rallied to support the event. Attendees were treated to coffee donated by Starbucks, water donated by Kroger's, and donuts donated by Krispy Kreme. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wal-Mart and other Nashville area merchants came together to show their support by donating products for the auction and raffle that took place after the walk. Nashville superstars George Strait, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Brooks and Dunn were represented through autographed memorabilia, which brought their fans to the raffle. [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-06-14T19:59:10-07:00June, 2010|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Free oral cancer screenings offered June 5th at NASCAR Event, at Nashville SuperSpeedway

Source: The Tennessean Author: Staff One person dies each hour of each day from oral cancer in the United States, but it only takes a three-minute oral exam to potentially save a life. On June 5, local dentists and hygienists will gather at the Nashville SuperSpeedway for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, to conduct free oral cancer screenings for the general public. The event is being sponsored by the Oral Cancer Foundation, to educate others about the importance of prevention and early detection through check-ups and awareness of important warning signs. The free exams will be conducted from 2-6 p.m. at the Speedway. Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010, which includes mouth cancer, tongue cancer and throat cancer. When found early, there is an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. However, due to a lack of public awareness, the majority of cases are found as late-stage cancers that can be killers. The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support activities. Check outwww.oralcancerfoundation.org to learn more about risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research and up-to-date oral cancer related news, among other important information. A free patient/survivor discussion forum is also open to the public, where those currently fighting oral cancer can gain insights and inspiration from those who have been there before them. The NASCAR Nationwide Series returns to Nashville Superspeedway on June 5 [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-06-03T16:00:35-07:00June, 2010|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Long Island friends honor their dads fight against cancer with inaugural walk on Father’s Day

Source: Long Island Exchange Author: Staff (Hicksville, N.Y.) Serena Ahne and Lisa Leone, of Long Island, are friends whose fathers are both cancer survivors; Fred Ahne, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008 and Fred Leone, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2003. Both girls looked for a way to educate others about the diseases from which their fathers suffered and the answer is the first annual Fred K’s Cancer Event, being held on June 20th in Cantiague Park in Hicksville, NY. Serena and Lisa, otherwise known as the Traveling Baseball Babes, due to their avid love of New York sports, will be joined by their fathers, family members, friends and supporters, on Father’s Day, as they walk in honor of their dads and all those who have fought oral and testicular cancer. All funds raised from this inaugural event will go to the Oral Cancer Foundation and the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation, to help educate others about the importance of prevention and early detection through self-examinations and check-ups. The walk, which will include the two miles of the Cantiague Park’s Fitness Trail in Hicksville, NY, will take place on June 20th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with registration beginning at 8:00 AM. Participants are encouraged to fundraise before the day of the event, by gathering others to sponsor them in the walk, to help Lisa and Serena reach their fundraising goal of $2,000. Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-05-14T14:36:22-07:00May, 2010|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Boot scootin’ for oral cancer screening…again!

Source: The Oral Cancer Foundation Author: John Pohl Nashville Hygienists Walk to Promote Oral Cancer Detection For the second straight year, the Nashville Area Dental Hygienists’ Society (NADHS) has organized a successful walk to raise both oral cancer awareness and funding for the Oral Cancer Foundation. Despite grey skies and cold temperatures, the $7,700 raised by “Boot Scootin’ for Oral Cancer Screening II” represented more than a 20% increase over the inaugural event’s results. The walk took place took place the morning of Saturday, March 13 at Nashville’s Centennial Park. Outgoing NADHS president Nicki Raines, who had convinced the organization to embrace the cause of oral cancer detection when she began her two-year presidential term, and her 6-person committee worked countless hours to ensure that the event would top last year’s efforts. Before the walk, participants were treated to three inspiring speakers. Two are oral cancer survivors: Kathi Gill, a Georgia resident who attended but did not speak at the 2009 walk, and ShayLynn Grant, a 24-year-old from Kentucky. The third speaker was Cydney Miller, Mrs. Tennessee International, who is a staunch advocate of early cancer detection. As with last year’s event, Nashville area merchants outdid themselves with their display of southern hospitality. Auction and raffle items donated include bags of groceries from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, gift cards from Wal-Mart, fine wines from anonymous donors, and autographed memorabilia by such Nashville area superstars as George Strait, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Brooks and Dunn (whose “Boot Scoot Boogie” [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-05-09T09:57:11-07:00May, 2010|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

No choo choo needed–Chattanooga walks for oral cancer

Source: The Oral Cancer Foundation Author: John Pohl Chattanooga Walk Promotes Early Detection of Oral Cancer! Chattanooga, Tennessee derives its name from a Cherokee word that means “big catch” and refers to the great fishing that can be found on the Tennessee River. And “big catch” is exactly what the cause of oral cancer detection has landed in the way of Jeanna Richelson, a very determined Chattanooga-based engineer and oral cancer survivor who is very clearly on a mission. On Saturday, April 10, Jeanna organized the First Annual Chattanooga Oral Cancer Awareness Walk, which raised over $18,000 for the Oral Cancer Foundation. According to Foundation founder and executive director Brian Hill, “I don’t believe there has ever been an oral cancer walk that was this successful in its first year. This was an absolutely amazing effort by Jeanna.” Less than one year ago, it dawned on Jeanna that while other types of cancer had support groups, there was no support group for oral cancer in the Chattanooga area. Not one to sit around and wait for things to happen, Jeanna let local hospitals and media know that she was starting such a group. Only one other person attended the group’s first meeting in 2009. Fortunately, word soon started to spread, and today the group numbers 20 members. One of these members is Kathi Gill, who lives just across the Tennessee-Georgia border and who had attended an oral cancer walk in Nashville in 2009. Last fall, Kathi suggested that the group [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-05-09T09:58:17-07:00May, 2010|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Holiday giving: How to choose a charity

Source: etaiwannews.com Author: Jeremiah A. Hall In June 2006, when Wendy Maholic learned that her husband, a master sergeant, had been killed in Afghanistan, her thoughts turned to her 10-year-old son. As she struggled with her grief, she wondered how to help fill the hole left by the loss of his father. As months passed, Mrs. Maholic learned of a small, up-and-coming charity in Colorado called Knights of Heroes, which provides free, all-inclusive summer camps and long-term mentoring programs for sons of fallen soldiers. A week of fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding with other children and adult male role models - especially ones who ostensibly knew what Andrew was going through - seemed perfect, but Maholic was apprehensive. The camp was located in Colorado Springs, Colo. She and Andrew were in Fort Bragg, N.C. No one in her immediate circle of friends and family had heard of the organization. It seemed promising. The camp even offered to arrange for mothers and sisters to be lodged nearby during the session. But she needed more. Like many parents in search of advice, she went online and discovered what she needed - and a new way to evaluate charities. With the explosion of social networking and user-generated online content, a new crop of websites promises to use similar techniques to help donors, volunteers, and clients assess nonprofits. In some, reviewers are asked to provide commentary on their personal experiences; others poll constituents. It's not fail-safe. But the approach arms donors with information that goes [...]

Charlotte Parker2009-11-30T12:02:13-07:00November, 2009|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Colleen Zenk Pinter: Cancer survivor has much to be thankful for this year

Source: Acorn Online Author: Susan Wolf Thanksgiving will be more than a pleasant holiday gathering with family and friends this year for Colleen Zenk Pinter. It will be a celebration of life, of being thankful for those closest to her. Ms. Zenk Pinter approaches this Thanksgiving cancer-free after a long and often painful battle with oral cancer. Her journey has been fraught with setbacks, but she has emerged as a formidable opponent, one who now uses her celebrity to educate others about oral cancer. A two-time Emmy Award nominee, Colleen Zenk Pinter has played the character of Barbara Ryan since 1978 on the CBS daytime drama As the World Turns. Her own world was turned upside down in March 2007 when her oral cancer was diagnosed. A lesion under her tongue “that didn’t even look like cancer” was, in fact, cancer. Somehow she got through her daughter Georgia’s 14th birthday party, telling no one, not even her husband, actor Mark Pinter, who was out of town. Finally, the next day, she gave the news to her husband and mother and then went to see Jen Wastrom, a woman she affectionately calls the “ring leader” of her posse of friends. Eventually “the posse” was notified and thesupport that has come to mean so much to Ms. Zenk Pinter immediately materialized. After a second opinion from Dr. Clarence Sasaki of Yale-New Haven Hospital on how best to treat her cancer, Ms. Zenk Pinter put herself into his hands. He performed a partial [...]

Charlotte Parker2009-11-30T11:47:23-07:00November, 2009|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Pinter opens up about private battle with cancer

Source: Fairfield Citizen Author: Morgan Thomas In the 31 years that Redding actress Colleen Zenk Pinter has played Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns, her character has been in a coma following an automobile accident, survived a gunshot wound, been burned to a crisp in an explosion and imprisoned for a crime she did not commit -- the stuff of soap writers' fecund imaginations. But when Barbara was "diagnosed" with oral cancer in 2008, the script was ripped from the real life drama of the actress who plays her and fact-checked with the Oral Cancer Foundation, for which Pinter is now the spokesperson. Warning the public about this little-known cancer and about a simple 3--5 minute screening your dentist can do has become a mission for Pinter. "The screening is painless," she said in an interview with the Westport News. "And you don't have to take your clothes off!" Oral cancer kills more people each year than cervical, skin or prostate cancer, yet when found early, there is an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. She took her private health battle public first on the CBS Early Show, filmed a PSA for the Oral Cancer Foundation, a birthday commercial for the American Cancer Society and has spoken before such groups as the 2009 graduating class. University's School of Dentistry. Pinter first noticed that her speech was slurring in December 2005 but her dentist assured the then 52-year-old actress that it was just her teeth shifting. Then in July 2006, [...]

Charlotte Parker2009-10-30T10:13:47-07:00October, 2009|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|