The NYU Chapter of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) will lead New York City’s first annual Oral Cancer Walk to raise awareness of a disease that kills over 7,000 American men and women each year. Major risk factors are tobacco and heavy alcohol use. If detected in its earliest stages, however, oral cancer is easily treated. The key is early detection and prevention. Free oral cancer screenings will be available at sites along the walk route.
When: Saturday, April 15, 2006 - rain or shine
Where: Registration begins at 9 am at 137th Street and Fifth Avenue, Harlem Walk begins at 11 am. Participants will receive a map of the walk route (approximately four miles) when they register.
The walk is taking place in Harlem to call attention to the fact that oral cancer disproportionately affects African-American men, who have the highest rates of oral cancer in the United States.
The first 500 registered walkers will receive free T-shirts with the Oral Cancer Walk logo. All walkers must have at least one sponsor. Each walker must collect a minimum of $20 in sponsorship. Walker donation forms and more information are available at www.oral-cancer.org. Questions can be e-mailed to nyc.oralcancerwalkathon@yahoo.com.
In addition to the SNDA, sponsoring groups include The Oral Cancer Foundation, the Oral Cancer Consortium of New York and New Jersey, NYU College of Dentistry, ABC 7 and the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation.