IN GILLIAN'S MEMORY es a Graham Paine/ Metroland Dozens of walkers took part in the annual walk in memory of dance student Gillian Watters, who was 16 when she died of cancer. This year's walk at Coronation Park raised $10,000 for cancer research, adding to the $50,000 total. Here, Gillian's mother Heidi Schobel (centre, front) is joined by some of her d: if \d instruct left) Jenny Braun, Aimee Vapsva, Kristy Baggetta, Paige DeCastro, Lindsay Braun, Jenna Girardi, Kiana Crummy and Natalie Coffa - at the ardatl | Dance Scene. A PLACE,TO CHOOSE YOUR LIFESTYLE. INDEPENDENT LIVING, SUPPORTIVE LIVING AND SHORT TERM STAYS Glen Abbey Inspired Retirement Living™ 1459 NOTTINGHILL GATE OAKVILLE Oral Cancer is not a rare disease and in fact it is occurring more frequently in a young- er population. A dramatic increase in the past few years is believed to be caused by exposure to HPV, specifically HPV 16 which is responsible for more cervical cancers. [PV (human papilloma virus) has more than 100 strains. Its name is derived from the warts or papilloma the virus can cause. Some strains may cause visible warts on the hands/ feet while the symptoms of other strains have symptoms that require professional screening to detect. A sexually transmitted strain called genital warts can increase the chance of developing genital and reproductive organ cancers in both women and m Dental professionals are also concerned about these strains as they can infect the soft tissue of the oral cavity/throat and can increase the chance of developing oral and/ or throat cancers. Screening for oral cancer is important in anyone who is sexually active. New vaccines that are now accessible for prevention of HPV may also work to prevent HPV-telated oral cancer. At your dental cleaning and examination appointments your mouth should be screened — ADVERTORIAL — if Dr. Vineet Bhandari \ lentist| What to know about oral cancer for oral cancer. This usually entails both visual and palpation of the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, neck and face which takes about 5 minutes. A thorough exam like this enables the oral care professional to keep track of any changes within the moutl Besides looking and touching, some } dental offices use an oral cancer screening device which uses different wavelengths of light to detect tissue changes, sometimes well before they are visible with the naked eye. If you experience any of these common warning signs, please book an appointment with us right away. + red or white patch in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks * hoarseness or change in the voice that does not go away +a sore throat that does not go away swelling, pain or a sore in the mouth or neck that does not subside When oral cancer is detected in early stages survival rate is high. We recommend you check your mouth on a monthly basis at home for any changes. When visiting your dentist and dental hygienist ask them if they are performing an oral cancer exam at each visit. 2525 Old Bronte Rd. Ste. 470 Oakville 289-813-8239 220z ‘42 JeqowO ‘Aepsiny | Jeneeg UIAHEO | EL, woo"uoyEYyapIsUt