BridgeValley’s Oral Cancer Foundation 5K Walk/Run for Awareness attracted over 180 participants and raised more than $12,000. Aside from fundraising, the event served to raise awareness in the community about a form of cancer that is on the rise in America.
“Oral cancer is an ideal cancer to identify early by screening, because it is frequently preceded by an identifiable pre-malignant lesion, said Melissa France, BridgeValley Dental Hygiene Professor. “When detected early, oral cancers have a very high survival rate and this event is important to encourage people to get checked.”
As part of the day’s event, the BridgeValley Dental Hygiene students and professors were on hand to assist with and conduct oral cancer screenings free of charge. Along with the cancer screenings, participants received information about general dental health and complimentary toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to promote proper dental hygiene.
