April 2005

Physicians, researchers to talk about new treatments for oral, head and neck cancers

COLUMBUS, Ohio--April 11-18 is national awareness week for oral, head and neck cancer. But unlike many other cancers, these have no "celebrity" spokespersons or high-profile events, in part because its survivors are often left with no voice--literally.

Patients, their family members and physicians often see this disease as "the cruelest cancer" because its effects are sometimes disfiguring and cannot be hidden. Many patients feel as if their sense of identity is permanently changed or even erased. The loss of speech, taste, or the ability to eat is often the price of survival. The devastating effects of the disease are one reason that these cancers, and their survivors, have been much less visible than advocates of other illnesses.

  • At 10 a.m. EST on Friday, April 8 some of the nation's leading researchers and physicians will be available to talk about the state of disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. They will present breakthroughs in a non-toxic, plant-based anti-cancer therapy, which is now in experimental human trials.

  • Also available will be the husband of Joan Bisesi, who died of oral cancer in 2001. A Columbus attorney, Phil Bisesi created "Joan's Fund" to raise money for oral head and neck cancer research. It is the first organization in the United States to do such.

  • Patients will be on hand to talk about their experience fighting the disease.

    Reporters are invited to attend the media availability in room 518 of the The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, or to participate via conference call, where they will be able to listen as well as to ask questions.

    The toll-free number is: 1-866-483-1080. The meeting ID # is 1130 and the passcode # is 67862.

    If you would like to participate by conference call, please RSVP to Leesa Brown at [email protected] or 614-293-2092 by Thursday, April 7 by 5 pm EST.

    ONLINE PRESS KIT AND BIOS WILL BE POSTED TO THE WEB SITE: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/mediaroom/