Oral Cancer: Survivors

Beverly doesn't know exactly when the oral cancer began, but she does recall the pain — physical and emotional.

In 1997, Beverly began experiencing searing pain on her tongue while brushing her teeth.

"I felt a burning sensation on the back of my tongue," said Beverly.  "Thinking it was the toothpaste I was using, I switched brands several times but the pain never went away."

In January 1999, Beverly was diagnosed with oral cancer and underwent a radical surgery in which half of her tongue was removed along with 30 lymph nodes and a neck dissection.  Skin grafts replaced the removed section of her tongue.

"During those few weeks after surgery, I communicated using pen and paper," Beverly said.   "When I came home from the hospital, I could talk but it was very difficult for people to understand me and I underwent months of speech therapy.  It was a terrifying experience but I am thankful to be alive." 

Today, Beverly is one of the lucky few who survive oral cancer. Approximately one life is lost every hour to oral cancer - a deadly disease that claims as many lives as skin cancer. Although there have been many medical advances for most cancers, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer hasn't improved in 40 years.  It remains a dismal 57 percent because the disease is often detected too late. Yet, if caught early, the disease boasts an 81% survival rate.

A relatively new procedure called a brush biopsy is now available to help in the early detection of oral cancer. The brush biopsy is an important tool used by dentists because it can catch oral cancer in its earliest stages or even before cancer can develop when cells look abnormal. Now, if dentists see unexplained red or white spots they feel need testing, they can perform the brush biopsy procedure right in the office and send the cells off to a high-tech laboratory for analysis. It is used in conjunction with a standard visual and tactile oral cancer exam.

CDx Laboratories, Inc., manufacturer of the brush biopsy, and the affiliated Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, are working together to raise awareness of oral cancer and the brush biopsy procedure.  Delta Dental has partnered with CDx Laboratories, Inc. and several corporations, including DaimlerChrysler and Consumers Energy, to offer the brush biopsy as a covered benefit for their employees. Delta Dental is one of the first dental benefits providers in the U.S. to offer this coverage.

"Oral cancer is a deadly disease that needs to be stopped," said Dr. Jed J. Jacobson, vice president of Professional Services and dental director at Delta Dental. "Offering coverage for this procedure will help increase early detection and ultimately save lives."

Jacobson said it's important that people understand everyone is at risk for oral cancer. What was once a disease thought to be associated with older men and those who consumed tobacco and alcohol, oral cancer is now developing at an alarming rate among women and younger people without the traditional risk factors.

"Because oral cancer can affect nearly anyone, it's more important than ever to visit the dentists regularly," said Jacobson. "Dentists are at the forefront in the early detection of this disease."

More than 225,000 brush biopsies have been performed by dentists in the U.S. The test has already detected thousands of cases of precancers and early oral cancers.

In addition to saving lives, early detection through the brush biopsy has the potential to significantly reduce medical treatment costs. Oral cancer is one of the most expensive and disfiguring forms of cancer to treat, with the average cost for an advanced case at $200,000.

With the painless detection of early oral cancer now possible, many patients will soon realize that by visiting their dentists regularly, they will not only be protecting their teeth and gums, but may also save their lives.

Had a procedure like the brush biopsy been available in 1997 and knowledge of oral cancer widespread, Beverly believes her nearly two-year battle with oral cancer could have been detected earlier. Today, she is cancer-free and celebrating five years as an oral cancer survivor.