Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to share a thought or two...

Most of us in this Web membership are painfully aware that the level of public (and medical) awareness for oral cancer is far less than that of breast, prostate (and most others). Many topics have been initiated on this message board to address the issue and scores of people have posted thoughts.

Having just this a.m. read Dr. Joshi's wonderful news (See his 6/16 posting under "Useful Websites") about our website receiving number one status as a SUPERB Internet cancer resource, I began thinking about how often oral cancer is still completely omitted in listings/directories (online and elsewhere) where information about the different types of cancer is made available.

Shortly after my Danny was diagnosed with tongue base cancer, I noticed an order form lying on a waiting room table at our local radiation oncology center for a special cancer-awareness bracelet. A notice nearby indicated anyone could purchase the bracelets and that proceeds would go towards providing transportation to and from treatment sessions for patients who would otherwise not be able to come in for radiotherapy. I ordered three... one for Danny's daughter, one for his Mom, and the third for me. When I received the bracelets, I was a bit disappointed. They were very pretty and nicely hand-crafted with colored glass beads... each representing a specific type of cancer... pink for breast cancer, grey for brain cancer, and so on. A key card came with each bracelet that listed all the bead colors along with the particular cancer each represented. Well, this was the first time I realized that oral cancer does not have it's own designated awareness color. There was one bead on the bracelet that meant "All Other Cancers". (I think it was a pale orangy-peach color.) So, I figured then and there that my Danny's tongue cancer must fall under the "miscellaneous" or "Other" category. I remember it made me feel a little sad... (Danny's cancer not significant enough to have a color... yet it was wrecking our lives!) Despite the cold realization that oral cancer is a disease in the shadows, I was still glad to know the money I'd spent would help all cancer patients who needed transportation.

I now view the missing color on the beaded bracelet as being symbolic of the general lack of awareness and much-needed information that is also still "missing" about oral cancer on a world-wide scale.

We need our special COLOR... just ours alone... to show the world that we count too! We need voices, speaking loud and clear on our behalf. We need media attention. We need resources and fundraisers and knowledge and support. Yes, it's true... the oral varieties make up a very small percentage of all cancers total... but it is most definitely on the rise (in smokers and NON-smokers!). I want to see oral cancer listed in every place where breast cancer (and all the others) are listed. I want oral cancer to have it's very own color to shine on every beaded cancer awareness bracelet constructed in years to come!

As much as I HATE oral cancer and what is has done to my husband... I still want to talk about it, educate people about it, and promote awareness to the highest degree possible. We all know it can save lives.

FMH,

Melanie

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Melanie,

Hi Melanie, look at the fundraising article on the first page of the site where you can purchase T shirts & BLUE bracelets with our logo. Wear your Tshirt with pride

Hi Fran...

I found the article and will most definitely purchase a logo shirt. Good to know we do have a color too! Thanks for sharing the info.

Mel