I went to the relay for life in my hometown and sadly there was no references to head and neck or oral coancer but much about prostate and breast. That could be because of what is treated most at our local hospital ot like everyone has said it could be due to the lack of people with the oral cancers being in the mainstream of such social functions. I'm still considering making the committment to walk the whole time next year to try to bring some awareness to oral cancer.

This is the only website that I found that addressed oral cancer so thouroughly. It has been a great help.

Petey you are a good soldier for the cause. Thanks. I have MS as well and many people with that disease suffer from the same social problems as people with our type of cancer. They are afraid of being judged for their disabilities, ect. My biggest thing right now is everyone want to go out and eat now that I look so healthy. I can't get people to understand that sitting in a resturant for an hour watching them enjoy a good meal while I nibble and drink and pee isn't a bit fun. It is hard for people to understand food without taste, a mouth without spit, or a jaw that has to be stretched before eating a bite. I have not had the surgeries that many of you have so as far as my face, aside from the wonderful tan and the scar on my neck I look ok. A bit lighter but not as sick. I haven't yawned in 7 months. Oh I yawn but I don't get that good finish. :-) It's amazing the little things taken for granted but here's the way I see it. When we wear our real faces with all we've expirienced who cares what others think. I honor those with battle scars.

Another thing that might help is the direct reflection by doctors that we must have caused our oral cancer. First question is do you smoke. For those of us that did maybe but not all of us. I guess because it's oral it's the easiest way to explain it. I share my story with anyone who asks and I do the things I want to do. I fought the battle and I fully believe I earned the right to live my life indoors and out in the world. No bit of judgement will change that. I hope that the recognition not only helps those not affected by this be more compassionate but saves lives for those who know nothing about it.