Brian,
First of all, I don't want to offend you because I think what you are doing with this website is wonderful. I also am going to try to find the time to write a testimonial to help in getting sponsors.

I have a problem, though, when you tell people that they aren't likely candidates because of their age or their lack of tobacco use, etc. While it may be true that the majority of oral cancer victims do have a history of tobacco and/or alcohol abuse and are generally older and also more often male, it is also a fact (which you have stated yourself) that this cancer is striking younger people with no known risk factors.

I understand you don't want to panic people unnecessarily, but I think you do them a disservice by telling them they don't have to worry too much because they don't fit the profile. If any of the known symptoms are there, they do have to worry. Not panic, but worry enough to be sure they are being checked out thoroughly by a qualified professional.

I thought the same as you when reading about the mouth sores, but one thing caught my attention. PIERCING EAR PAIN IS A SYMPTOM of oral cancer and one that shouldn't be ignored. Granted, it could also be a symptom of something else, but it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Ear pain was Heather's only symptom for several weeks, then the pain when swallowing followed. She absolutely does not fit the profile for oral cancer in any way whatsoever. But that doesn't alter the fact that she is very likely going to die from it.

I'm sure by now some of you are probably tsk, tsking thinking I shouldn't be scaring all the newbies. Well, I'm sorry, but maybe they need to be scared. They need to be scared into action. They need to be told to get a second opinion. They need to know how important it is to get a biopsy. They shouldn't be lulled into thinking they don't have to worry just because they don't fit the profile or because their dentist or doctor isn't informed enough to be able to properly diagnose oral cancer.

Well, I'm done. I'll get off my high horse now. But, be assured, I'll be here posting for quite some time to come. I feel very strongly that "not fitting the profile" doesn't mean diddly when dealing with oral cancer.

Sorry, no rainbows or hugs today,
Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.