Visiting a dentist can make a difference in cancer treatment. A new health awareness campaign from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH, explains how proper oral care can prevent or minimize painful complications in the mouth that affect up to one-third of patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Head and neck radiation, chemotherapy for any cancer, and bone marrow transplantation can cause oral complications that may further compromise patients' health and quality of life, as well as affect their ability to complete cancer treatment. Many oncologists, dentists and patients, however, are unaware of the right steps to take to prevent or manage these potentially serious side effects.

Oral Health, Cancer Care, and You: Fitting the Pieces Together informs health professionals and patients about what they can do to reduce the risk and impact of oral complications. The NIDCR is conducting the awareness campaign through the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse, a service of the institute. Partners in the campaign include the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Press is invited to attend a briefing and luncheon to launch the campaign on January 27, 1999, from 12-2 p.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Attendees will hear experts discuss the scope, impact, management, and prevention of oral complications of cancer treatment. If you wish to attend the briefing or receive more information about the campaign, please contact Katherine Wahl at 301-402-7364 or e-mail [email protected]