Oral cancer has existed outside the awareness of much of he public, yet it will take one life, every hour of every day in the U.S. This year alone, approximately 48,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer. This is a number that has not significantly improved in decades; in fact oral cancer is on the rise. 

 

The death rate from oral cancer is higher than that of cancers that we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid or skin cancer. However, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately, the majorities are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years form diagnosis. This is a disease that we have the opportunity to change drastically through awareness events and early detection initiatives. 

 

We walk with the hope that those lost to oral cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face oral cancer will be supported, but most importantly, that one-day oral cancer will be eliminated. Only when many individuals raise their voices together and collectively contribute their resources, will change take place. 

 

Thank you for joining us in the fight to end oral cancer!