Oral, head, and neck cancers are on the rise. This year, an estimated 61,760 people (45,330 men and 16,430 women) will develop oral, head, and neck cancer.
Sadly, the treatment is often worse than the diagnosis—imagine not being able to speak, eat, or work. It is extremely debilitating for those who are on feeding tubes, those who have lost teeth or facial bones, or have severe side effects from radiation.
In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day (June 1), AAOSH would like to share the stories of three individuals who have survived oral, head, and neck cancers in the hopes that increased awareness, early detection, and collaborative healthcare will help save more lives.
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I am a survivor of oral cancer. I am so thankful to God, my surgeons at Loma Linda Medical Center, and my own strength to quit smoking cigarettes and substaining from alcohol for 8 years I am now considered cured as long as I never drink or smoke again. My head and neck surgeons have promised me if I ever smoke another cigarette ,there is a 100% chance it will come back. I was stage 1 on my tongue , exactly where I put my cigerette for 38 years, and where I put my wine glass to sip wine for many years. The idea that oral cancer is caused from oral sex is ludicrous and I have never been informed of that from any reputable ENT or Surgeon. I am so thankful to be alive one day at a time for the rest of my life.
I am so sorry you had oral cancer. My husband had laryngeal cancer also caused by smoking and drinking. However, HPV is on the rise which is sexually transmitted. Over 90% of the population is infected. Some forms of HPV causes cancer. That’s why we are seeing a rise in oral cancer. Mostly in young healthy males. So it is not ludicrous that oral cancer is caused by oral sex. It is a reality. I am happy to hear you’re an oral cancer survivor. I wish you many more healthy years.