On September 17th, the “Champion Awareness” duo is leading a 100-mile bike ride along the Eastern Shore of Maryland to spread awareness about oral cancer.
Earlier this summer, we found out our former college professor from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, who was both an advisor and mentor, was diagnosed with mouth cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Among the many lessons we’ve learned from her over the years is the importance of taking action—and that is what we are doing. We are riding to celebrate her recovery and for the thousands of people that are diagnosed with oral cancer each year.
Whether you currently smoke, have had a cigarette or two in your day, or have steered clear from tobacco entirely, one way to mitigate that risk is to GO TO YOUR DENTIST. Yes, it’s more than cleanings, cavities and free toothbrushes. Your dentist can talk to you about your health history and do an oral cancer screening during your regular check-up to improve your chances of early detection, which often leads to successful treatment outcomes.
Other ways to reduce your risk for oral cancer include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol (no more than two drinks per day if you are a man or one drink per day if you are a woman), staying out of the sun, using lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and eating fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
The driving idea behind the ride is to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!™—a slogan that is the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s vision. It’s why we are proud to be teaming with such a great organization to raise money to support their vision and help expand the dialogue on prevention and early detection strategies.
Prevention and early detection; these are simple concepts that are critical for everyone to understand. It’s time to OPEN your mouths and get screened—whether you are a smoker or non-smoker. It just might save your life.
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