We wanted to share the great news with our readers that there is a Free Cancer Screening coming up in Dallas!

Free Oral Cancer Screening in Dallas

This “Head & Neck Check” is Saturday, April 28, from 8:30AM until 11AM. It takes place at the New Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas. The address is 3410 Worth Street, Suite 250 in Dallas, Texas 75246.

This screening opportunity does not require an appointment, and you can reach the facility by taking the DART Green Line to the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas stop.

You can find more information about this event by visiting BaylorHealthcare.com/DallasCancer.

We hope that everyone interested in an Oral Cancer Screening can make it out. Take care of yourself or your loved ones in need and get checked out now!

FOCF was pleased to participate in a free oral cancer screening on May 26, 2010 in Plano, TX during the Plano Senior Recreation Center’s health fair. We donated our Identifi (Trimira) machine and informational pamphlets, wrist bands and some other goodies for the cause.

This was the first time the Center conducted Oral Cancer Examinations using the Trimira Identafi, a leading oral cancer screening piece of technology.   Volunteers from three schools of Dental Hygiene at Texas Women’s University, Collin College and Baylor preformed the examinations. They were assisted by volunteers from Contemporary Oral Surgery and Dr. Lesslie Moore.   Approximately 200-250 people were screened.

The event was organized by Deborah Stewart with the help of Community Dental Care,  Dr. Lee Fitzgerald,  and the Fight Oral Cancer Foundation.

There are many technologies that boast of the ability to detect pre-cancer conditions for oral cancer.  These oral cancer screening technologies look for abnormal cells that when detected will allow the physician to be able to more precisely locate risk areas and do a more thorough assessment.  However, the question arises: “Do these technologies truly live up to their claims?”

The research in the article Oral Precancer and Early Cancer Detection- A Review of Technologies by Jerry E. Bouquot, DDS, MSD, Patricia Suarez, DDS, MS and Nadarajah Vigneswaran, BDS, DMD3 provides an overview and summary of the technologies that are out there, determining if they are what they claim to be.

In reviewing oral cancer screening, the procedures that are covered are:

• The Brush Biopsy
• Toluidine Blue – in Vivo Staining of DnA in the Dental Office
• The ViziLite – Highlighting the Keratin
• Oral Autofluorescence – When the Mucosa doesn’t glow

In conclusion on their oral cancer screening technology review they had this to say:

“Our intention is not to recommend one of these technologies over another, but the future looks most bright for the optical autofluorescence technology (pardon our pun), combined with either a biopsy, brush biopsy or LBC. All devices have limitations and the published research is sparse, but until other methods are developed, such as the use of molecular markers in salivary proteomics or genomics, it is heartening to know that relatively acceptable in-office devices are already available and can be used as adjunctive diagnostic tools. Refinements and continued research will undoubtedly improve our ability to detect, at the earliest possible stage, dysplastic changes in our patients, and new technologies may emerge quickly which will prove much more valuable. Until then, it is refreshing to be practicing dentistry during a time of such exciting emerging technologies attempting to address one of the most frustrating and serious of our oral diagnostic dilemmas.”

Click here for the complete article on oral cancer screenings technologies.

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Photo Credit: Oral Cancer

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

Pegasus Skating Group and Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) are coming together for the SKATE4SPOHNC event.  The Fight Oral Cancer Foundation will be providing free oral cancer screenings at SKATE4SPOHNC and Arma Shahidi will be signing autographs and taking pictures.

Location: Campion Trail, T.W. Richardson Grove Park, 333 East I-635, Irving, TX

Details of the Event: Come and skate with the Pegasus Skating Group or bring your bike, walking and/or jogging shoes. Have your picture made with 2009 Mrs. International. Enjoy free food, have a good time and show your support for SPOHNC.

Time: Event is from 9am-11am; Autographs from 11am-12pm