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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Cancer Survivor Organizes Oral Cancer Walk, Feb. 23
It was early 2002 when Uyen Nguyen discovered a lesion inside her mouth that looks like a traumatic bruise. But she didn’t follow up. “I was a busy dental student,” said Nguyen, now a 3rd-year student at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine. “My palate was extremely tender, so I avoided brushing my teeth hard in that area and even switched to a pediatric toothbrush. Later, I developed sharp pains on the right side of my face.”
Uyen Nguyen
Eventually a biopsy was taken and the results were devastating. Nguyen had oral central mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer. “I was shocked and confused. I kept asking ‘Why me?,” she said. “I live a healthy life. I am young and I am a good person. So “Why me?”
Nguyen eventually had surgery that successfully removed the cancer. Now she wants to help others by raising awareness and money for oral cancer, a disease that is often neglected. She is collaborating with the students of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, NSU chapter; Khadine Alston, D.D.S., an assistant professor of the College of Dental Medicine; and The Truth Outreach Project, Inc. to organize the 2nd Annual Oral Cancer Awareness 5K run/walk at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. The event will take place between 7:30 a.m. and Noon.
“I hope this event will get more people to take this devastating cancer seriously and get checked out regularly,” Nguyen said.
Oral cancer is the seventh leading cancer in the U.S. In most cases, it’s detectable and treatable if discovered in its early stages. Alston and other dentists recommend dental patients be screened for oral cancer annually. To register for the 5k run/walkathon, please visit www.Active.com/running/Lauderhill-fl/oral-cancer-awareness-5k-run-walkathon-2013
With or without registration, FREE Oral Cancer Screenings will be provided to the community during the walk. Donations can be made on www.active.com or mailed to The Truth Outreach Project Inc., 5200 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 2, PMB 1108, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33028. Please, no cash donations. For more information about the event , please contact Alston ka204@nova.edu or Nguyen, un5@nova.edu.