VCU School of Dentistry Holds Second Annual Oral Cancer Walk

By Katie Keane

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry’s chapter of the Student National Dental Association recently held its Second Annual Oral Cancer Walk to promote awareness of the cancer in the Richmond community and to promote research.

More than 60 people showed up at Byrd Park for the 3-mile walk, nearly double the number from last year’s inaugural event.

Carolyn Booker, M.D., associate dean for student affairs in VCU’s School of Dentistry, said she was pleased with the student’s commitment to help raise awareness in the community.

“It is especially encouraging to see so many people supporting the walk and to hear them talking about their excitement for the next event,” said Booker. “This has grown, and with continued awareness, it is anticipated that it will become a great community event.”

Volunteers from the VCU Dental Hygiene program coordinated an information table that consisted of education on early detection of oral cancer, self examinations and information about oral cancer support groups.

“The Oral Cancer Walk will hopefully send the critical message of early detection and prevention not only to the general public, but also to our fellow dental students, the future front-line specialists in screening, and oral cancer detection at its earliest, most curable stages,” said Crystal Hayes, SNDA student president.

According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer is the ninth most common cancer in men. More than 34,000 new cases of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers were diagnosed in 2007 in the United States. Seventy-five percent of oral and pharyngeal cancers are attributed to tobacco and heavy alcohol use.

Supporters of the event included Ashburn Children's Dentistry, Proctor and Gamble, Benco Dental, Virginia Dental Association, Peoples Family Dental Care, W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. D.D.S. and Associates, Delta Dental and Dr. Monroe Harris.