Today I participated in my RO's 3nd Annual Colloquium on H & N Cancers at Moffitt. We have done this for the last 2 years. I can't believe this is our 3rd year. He and a teaching doctor from Moffitt give their presentations and then I get up and spend the next 2 hours giving the patient's perspective which is followed by a Q & A segment. This is done at Moffitt and the attendance is required of the med students so the turnout is a packed auditorium. Last year this presentation format received a student rating of 4.8 out of 5 and I'm sure this years went as well. I really enjoy the opportunity to shape future doctors into my way of thinking. lol

Anyway I was busy taking notes during the docs' speeches and here are a few things that I thought we would find interesting. These are not listed in any order:

1. My Ro is currently writing the research plan to compare the effects of limiting treatment on HPV+ patients. He's not sure what will be limited, i.e. less radiation or less chemo or less of both, etc but he wants to do the trial. All he will need is willing patients. lol

2. A node larger than 1.5 cm is assumed to be pathologic;

3. 95% of all H & N cancers are SCC;

4. There are over 2 million users of Betel nuts with the overwhelming majority coming from SE Asia and the majority of H & N cancers from India are associated with Betel Nut use. A student reported that you can buy a solution of tobacco and Betel nut juices in Tampa;

5. Cancers of the Oropharyngeal region (BOT and Tonsils) represented only 18% of H & N cancers in 1970; in 2005 that increased to 32% and today Trotti estimates it's over 50% due principally to HPV;

6.The first H & N cancer patient was treated with radiation in 1902 and he was an attorney. Trotti confessed that doctors even then made mistakes. lol;

David,

You never cease to amaze me with all that you do for "our cause".

You are truly one of my heroes.

Ditto what Jerry said.

David,
You are making a wonderful contribution. This should be done in all the medical schools. I have discussed it with my doctors and they agre that it is a great idea but are under terrible time constraints and have not been able to carve out time for such a program.

Malka,

This is a required attendance at Moffitt so I don't know how they fit that into everyone's schedule and we only do it once a year. The attendees really do enjoy it and even after our time is up many many come down and continue to ask Trotti and I questions. Yesterday we were even asked to leave so the next class could start. You know me, I would still be there talking if they would let me. Don't know if it's me but they sure look really young to be med students and doctors!!!

David,

Your perspective as a patient/survivor is so valuable--here and at Moffit. I love that medical students get to learn about OC from your experience. No one can tell the story better than one who has been through it. Good going!

Anita