According to CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, survival rates for patients with oral cancer are among the lowest of major cancers. Only one-half the number of persons diagnosed with oral cancer are alive five years after the diagnosis. In contrast to other cancers (e.g. breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers) the overall U.S. survival rate from oral and pharyngeal cancer has not improved during the past 16 years. Survival rates for oral cancer in minorities have decreased. To read more visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Look for signs of oral cancer and do not ignore them or you have ignored your own life.

“Together we fight oral cancer. Together we save a life every hour.”  – The Fight Oral Cancer Foundation

Recently, founder, Arma Shahidi-Fitzgerald, was awarded the title of “Mrs. International”.  This title has brought with it greater exposure to the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation.  We as the Foundation are looking forward to continuing to strategically raise awareness and funding for research that will aid in finding new ways for early detection of oral cancer.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation,

Over 34,000 people will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 34,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only half will be alive in 5 years. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

One of the most significant concerns regarding oral cancer is that most often it is not detected in the early stages. Thus, by the time it is detected, it has already spread to other parts of the body.  This is one of the key reasons why the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation is so passionate about raising awareness.

Clearly, there is still work to be done.  Thank you each for being a part of spreading the message and making a difference as together, we fight oral cancer.

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