Oral cancer kills one American every hour and 60,000 individuals are diagnosed annually.

Patients often times endure mouth reconstruction, loss of all or part of their tongues, palate, or mandible. They cannot chew gum again, let alone blow a bubble.

Oral Cancer Awareness month is just a few days away in April. Participants are encouraged to share their bubble-blowing skills via social media, along with the hashtag #OralCancerBlows throughout the month.

Dental practices can help in a number of ways.

  • Arrange a free oral cancer screening afternoon a few times each year at your practice or within the community.
  • Participate in the Bubble Gum Challenge at your practice. Find out more at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/931374/

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Linda Miles, courtesy of OCC

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Robin Morrison, courtesy of OCC

“Oral cancer patients and their families face many trials throughout treatments that can make it difficult to focus on recovery,” said Linda Miles, CSP, co-founder of the nonprofit foundation Oral Cancer Cause with Robin Morrison in memory of  Charlotte Estep, Linda Miles’ sister-in-law, and Mike Collins, Robin Morrison’s brother. In 2012, Charlotte and Mike died after suffering for several years from oral cancer. Both went undiagnosed for an extended amount of time, which allowed their disease to progress to an advanced and untreatable stage.

Linda and Robin have a combined 80+ years experience in dentistry. Their shared passion for dentistry and saving lives is the organization’s inspiration.

Mission & Vision

Oral Cancer Cause’s mission is to improve the quality of life for oral cancer patients through financial support so that after medical treatment, they can face the world with peace and dignity.
Along with promoting oral cancer awareness, the Bubble Gum Challenge seeks to raise donations for patients and their families. Their vision is to detect oral cancer early and to help oral cancer patients focus on receiving treatment and recovery without the overwhelming financial burdens.

Oral Cancer Cause is making a positive change in the lives of many oral cancer patients and their families. Its founders credit:

  • the knowledge of early detection and treatment,
  • comprehensive oral exams from dedicated dental/medical professionals,
  • and support of  sponsoring partners and dental/medical associations.

“Benco Dental, Care Credit and Revenue Well’s sponsorship of the Bubble Gum Challenge helps us accomplish our goal of enhancing the quality of life for oral cancer patients through awareness and support,” said Linda Miles.

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Julie Radzyminski, Benco Dental’s VP of Business Innovation, squares off against Dr. Sabiha Bunek, editor in Chief of The Dental Advisor, in the Oral Cancer Cause’s Bubble Gum Challenge hosted at the 2017 Lucy Hobbs Project Celebration in Philadelphia.

 

What can you do to help?

  • Click here to donate.

Funds raised by Oral Cancer Cause will be used in two ways: to provide financial help to patients and their families who face the challenges of oral cancer and to create public awareness about the incidence of oral cancer and the necessity of oral cancer exams for early diagnosis and successful treatment.

For more information, email contact@oralcancercause.org or call 727-599-8153.