Hello Jerold, welcome to the site. Sorry that you have had to go through this but happy that you are progressing well.

The ADA has been slow to promote regular screenings through association members. Oral cancer strikes as many as 30,000 in the US annually. The overall survival rate is rather poor primarly because the cancer is found in late stages. Your help and energy will be appreciated in trying to change this reality.

The OCF has several projects in development that will get the word out to dentists. They are the key to earlier detection. Screenings are quick, painless and inexpensive. Dentists need to realize they are probably our first line of defense against this disease and rally themselves to do these screenings. Literally thousands of lives could be spared every year.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.