If there is a vaccination that prevents cervical and oropharyngeal cancer, wouldn’t you want your child to be vaccinated? Gardisil protects youth from HPV 16 and 18, the two strains of hundreds that actually cause cancer. And, it provides added protection against genital warts. It is a parent responsibility to obtain information and vaccinate. It’s a safe vaccination since the …
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Medical Field and Dental Field: To Marry
Blood from your gums may soon be the new way to test for diabetes. Some 8 million of the 29 million Americans with diabetes are undiagnosed. Since Americans are more likely to visit a dentist every year rather than a primary care physician, it makes sense to provide diabetes screenings at dental check-ups. NYU’s recent study is mentioned in this article …
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What To Say: To A Cancer Survivor
So many people have said to me, “You look fantastic!” Why focus on how I look? You probably have little idea about my quality of life compromises that you cannot see on the outside. For me, I had bilateral vocal chord polyps and nodules, basal cell carcinoma in my radiated field, ringing in my ears, periodontal disease, numerous health scares …
Head and Neck Cancer: Bundled Fees for Care
A pilot program is being developed by UnitedHealthcare and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to explore the benefit of a preset, bundled payment for head and neck cancer care that includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. “Patients are going to know right upfront what the total cost is,” UnitedHealthcare’s Dr. Lee Newcomer said. The collaboration is among the …
Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Delivery Devices: E-Cigarettes
Even though the rates of oral cancer associated with tobacco are declining, it is still a major cause. Smoking replacement products like gums and patches have generally failed because they release nicotine too slowly or in amounts too low to satisfy smokers. For the same reason, only a small percentage of smokers have switched to e-cigarettes, devices that heat a …