Oral Cancer Survivor Urges Others to Get Checked

FRANKFORT, Ky. - April 22, 2014 - PRLog -- When Bradford Abrams first retired five years ago, he looked forward to enjoying a good amount of golf, fishing trips and vacations. But a persistent sore throat that wouldn’t go away led him to seek medical attention. Abrams was told that he had stage 4 cancer in the base of the tongue that had spread into the lymph nodes in his neck.

“It was devastating to hear the news, but it was even more difficult on my wife to have to watch me go through it,” he says.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and statistics show that oral cancers affect nearly twice as many men as women. Tobacco use, alcohol use and HPV have all been linked as risk factors for oral cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 37,000 people will be diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

“Because of where the cancer was, they didn’t do any surgery,” Abrams says. “I was thankful and glad for that.”

In addition to receiving chemotherapy, Abrams was referred to Board Certified Radiation Oncologist Alex Williams, M.D. with 21^st Century Oncology of Kentucky.

“Dr. Williams is a top notch individual and a caring physician. He’s very good at his job,” Abrams says.

“Head and neck cancers can vary in degree of severity,” Dr. Williams explains. “It is not always detected early, and this can affect treatment options. Checking the mouth and throat should be part of your routine check ups with your doctor or dentist.”

A consistent sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of throat cancer. Other symptoms may include pain in the mouth, white or red patches in the mouth, or trouble chewing or swallowing, among others.

“After cancer, I now just appreciate being alive,” Abrams said.

When asked if he has any advice for others in honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Abrams says, “If you have a problem, get it checked quickly. Particularly men who don’t seek medical attention when they should.”

For more information about our services, visit www.21cOncologyKentucky.com or call 502-223-3551.

About 21^st Century Oncology:

21^st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. The company operates 185 treatment centers, including 150 centers located in 16 U.S. states. The company also operates 34 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.