Avocados have the ability to find and destroy oral cancer cells according to researchers at Ohio State led by Steven D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. According to D'Ambrosio, the compounds of interest found in avocado target only the precancerous and cancerous cells, and not the normal cells.

Researchers are not sure how the compounds in the avocados do this, but they suspect it has something to do with phytonutrients found in the food.

Avocados are loaded with all sorts of good things, and here is one more reason to eat them.

A special light examination is showing promise as a tool for the early detection of oral cancer. A similar technique has been shown to be effective in detecting early changes associated with cervical cancer. The light is the size of a dental drill.

This study is being run by Dr. Camile Farah, at the University of Queensland, Australia.

According to Dr. Farah, oral cancer is "an extremely deadly form of cancer." According to Dr. Farah, the five-year survival rate for those patients in Australia is 50 percent.

Testing for oral cancer just got much easier -- a new method of testing for the disease will soon be available. The testing method can be done in a medical office and uses lab-on-a-chip microfluidic technology to determine a diagnosis. Furthermore, the test is fully automated and can be completed in a mere 10 minutes.

The test was developed at researchers at the University of Texas (Austin) with funding from the NIH. Here's how it works: Cells from the mouth are mixed with fluorescent marker proteins, illuminating any suspicious cells. Pretty ingenious, if you ask me. Now if we could only make other cancer screening as painless and quick ...

As part of the check-up, your dentist probably screens you for oral cancer. Right? I know mine does. But apparently, some dentists aren't performing these checks as thoroughly as they should. It's not their fault, though, according to the article -- they're not given proper training, and don't really know what to look for. But seeing as dentists spend about a gazillion years in school, I'd like to think that cancer screening is on the curriculum. It is, after all, a matter of life and death. They also aren't too clear on the top risk factors for oral cancer -- smoking and alcohol. Come on, even I know those.

What do you think? Do you trust your dentist when it comes to oral cancer, or has the article scared you?

My friends over at That's Fit recently posted this item about one of the leading causes of throat cancer -- Oral sex. The threat is so serious, in fact, that it beats the risk associated with smoking or drinking alcohol by nine times. Surprised? I am.

But the connection between throat cancer and oral sex is also linked to HPV (Human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted disease that increases the chance of contracting cervical cancer in Women. What's even more scary is that it's estimated that 80% of Women contract HPV at some point during their life. And as Jonathon points out, the strong connection between HPV and cancer of the genitals should lead us to anticipate that the virus can cause cancer in other parts of our bodies too.

Still, the statistics -- especially that oral sex is nine-time more likely to give you throat cancer than smoking -- are pretty alarming. Don't you think?

Patients diagnosed with early stage oral cancer are usually examined by their doctor for suspicious areas in the mouth and throat area. A study was conducted that tested two diagnostic aids in evaluating lesions in the oral cavity.

Chemiluminescent light, or brand name Vizilite and toluidine blue, pharmaceutical grade dye, were used in addition to the conventional, visual and manual observations of the patient.

"By combining conventional techniques with more modern techniques, we were able to better diagnose and determine the best options for patients with oral cancer," said J.B. Epstein, lead author of the study and Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

However unintentional she says it has all been when it comes to the sultry and seductive persona that oozes sexuality through the television screen during her cooking shows, How to be a Domestic Goddess author Nigella Lawson has made a career out of making food sexy and the act of food consumption sensual. It is part of her not-always-so-subtle coy kitchen charm.

But if we believe her life to be as silky smooth and decadent as warm cream flowing over a morning bowl of juicy plump strawberries, and equally as charmed as she is charming, we would be mistaken. Yes, she is remarried to multi-millionaire, ad man and art dealer Charles Saatchi, but she is also the widow of journalist and writer John Diamond, who died of tongue cancer five years ago, leaving her suddenly mother and father to their two children, Cosima and Bruno.

A decade earlier, Lawson's mother had died of liver cancer. Her sister Thomasina died in her 30s of breast cancer. Cancer changes people. It is unavoidable, and the change can take many forms. For Nigella, who in the public eye has taken criticism for her ample figure and lack of concern for the fat content of food, has an almost unreasonable fear about thinness. After watching three family members waste away and die from cancer, she sees thin as a sign of illness.

"So even though I mind it when I put on weight I have a visual memory of seeing those people become skin and bone, and that gives me a slight reality check," explains Lawson. In watching her cooking show Nigella Bites, she came through as warm, down-to-earth, without a care for pretentious protocol or rules for the sake of rules. It is the way she cooks, and I get the feeling it is the way she lives. Cancer changes every person it touches and shapes perspectives about what is truly important in life. Being comfortable and enjoying yourself, including the food you eat, is a good recipe for life. A recipe Nigella seems to dish up with ease.

Nigella Lawson is Food Network's newest host in Nigella Feasts. On January 7, the theme of the show will be Feel Good Food featuring Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Pumpkin Seed Salad, a Vietnamese Prawn and Glass Noodle Salad, a colorful Antioxidant Fruit Salad, and a Syllabubbed Yogurt. Yum.

From Blabbermouth: Eddie Van Halen has developed a cure for cancer. Yep. Is he telling anyone what the cure is? Nope. Did smoking cause his two bouts of oral cancer? According to Eddie Van Halen, smoking did not cause his cancer, and he still smokes. What caused his cancer? He speculates it might have been the metal guitar pick he used.

This story comes from Launch Radio Networks, who reported on the Sirius Satellite Radio conversation Eddie Van Halen had with Howard Stern last Friday. I didn't hear the radio program, as my tolerance for Stern is low, but I do regret I missed this conversation.

I feel as if some significant portion of the conversation got left out in the retelling of the event -- but if not -- what do you mean you have a cure for cancer but you are not telling anyone? Metal guitar pick? Eddie, please stop talking about cancer. I am a huge fan but this sounds utterly nonsensical.

Anyone else listen to this call-in from Eddie Van Halen to the Howard Stern Show?

Manchester doctors at the Christie Hospital in Didsbury are importing manuka honey from New Zealand to treat mouth and throat cancer patients after surgery in the hope honey can reduce inflammation and prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA. Most people have this common type of bacterium in their nose and on their skin, but if healthy, the bacterium won't cause problems.

For hospitalized patients, there is a risk MRSA will spread through cuts, wounds, surgical incisions or catheters. The main problem with MRSA is that it has become resistant to some, but not all, antibiotics.

For the last several months, Manchester Royal Infirmary doctors have been using special honey-coated dressings to treat wounds. Now -- privately funded by community members and cancer patients themselves -- cancer patients at Christie Hospital in Didsbury will participate in this new study to test the effectiveness of the imported honey in preventing infection.

To read more about manuka honey, the company has a website here. The National Honey Board has published information on the antibacterial properties of honey here. The Sydney University's School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences has published From nature's pantry: The healing properties of honey regarding research done on the antibacterial activity of certain types of honey.

In an earlier blog post on June 8 about oral cancer, I stated that I would be making another report on an upcoming visit to the dentist. Yesterday afternoon I had my appointment with Virginia Kirkland, D.M.D., M.S. in Alpharetta, GA that was set up by Zila Pharmaceuticals for me to have a ViziLite exam for oral cancer. Dr Kirkland and her staff were very professional, courteous, and thorough. I sat down with Dr Kirkland and got a little educational background on how ways to do early detection of oral cancer have improved with Vizilite and the North Point Periodontics office with Dr Kirkland and Dr Allen French offers this easy exam to all of their patients as part of a yearly exam and early detection program.

As is the case with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer.  Approximately 90% of oral cancer victims are age 40 and older, recent studies indicate that increasingly, patients younger than age 40 are being diagnosed with oral cancer. Though  tobacco and alcohol use are the primary lifestyle risk factors that contribute to the development of  oral cancer, 27% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol, and have no lifestyle risk factors. Oral cancer affects men more than women, 2:1, but oral cancer in women is on the rise nationwide. Many reports suggest that head and neck cancer, particular tongue cancer, is increasing among young adults.

The test took about 5 minutes and it involved no pain or discomfort. The first step is to rinse your mouth with a solution for one minute. The solution itself tasted a little like a raspberry vinaigrette but was not anything bad. That solution dries the cells in your mouth making it easier for the Vizilite to detect any abnormal cells that might develop into oral cancer. Dr Kirkland moved the little plastic glow wand throughout my mouth and around my gums, under my lips and around my tongue. Then she followed it up with the standard procedure of feeling around in my mouth and gum area and neck area. The experience was quick, educational, and did not involve any discomfort.

Ask your health care provider about receiving a quick and painless exam that could help save your life and make it a part of your yearly health exam. Oh and by the way, I had no signs of cancer cells and had a 100% clean exam. Well except for one cavity area.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, (GLMA) researches and publishes facts that life habits and practices in gay males may make them more susceptible to cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems. The GLMA works to ensure equality in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and health care professionals.

Studies show that gay men use tobacco at much higher rates than straight men. Some studies show that statistic is almost 50 percent higher in gays than straight males. Tobacco-related health problems include lung disease and lung cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more serious problems. Studies also show that gay men have higher rates of alcohol dependence and abuse than straight men and the use of substances like amyl nitrate poppers, marijuana, Ecstasy, and amphetamines which could cause serious consequences as they age are more prevalent in gay men. Alcohol consumption and smoking are also related to bladder cancers, colon cancers and others.

Some health professionals now recommend routine screening with anal Pap Smears, similar to the test done for women to detect early cancers. Gay men are at risk for, human papilloma virus, (HPV), that cause anal and genital warts. These infections play a role in the increased rates of anal and oral cancers in gay men.

Having the freedom and courage to discuss your lifestyle openly with your medical doctor is a must. Once that patient - professional relationship has comfortably been made, discussing these health concerns is the first step to maintaining your health.

On May 31, 2006 I wrote a post about oral cancer screening.  I was contacted by a public relations person from Zila Pharmaceuticals by the name of Bill Sklar who shared a lot of facts with me on the subject. He also told me of a new test that is simple and easy to detect oral cancer and it is now on the market. The screening test is called ViziLite and it is FDA approved. I will be taking the test to see how simple and easy it is and will give a report about my experience on this blog. I would like to share some of the facts that were given to me about oral cancer.

• One American dies every hour of oral cancer.
• 25 percent of cases affect people with no known risk factors.
• 75 percent of cases are related to tobacco or alcohol use.
• Oral cancer is increasing among women.
• The 5-year survival rate is 57 percent, and the 10-year rate is under 50 percent.
• Oral Cancer is horribly disfiguring and painful, unless it's detected early.
• Oral cancer can be caused by HPV - transmitted through oral sex.
• Sigmund Freud, Babe Ruth, John Gotti and President Grover Cleveland had oral cancer.
• Cigar smoking increased 250 percent from 1993 to 1998, and heavy cigar use is particularly associated with oral cancer development.
• Marijuana appears to cause oral cancer, particularly in younger patients.

Arnold Rosenheck, DMD, Associate Dean, UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School says the annual cost for treating oral cancer in the U.S. is $2 billion, and when indirect costs are added in (rehab, lost wages, etc.), the figure balloons to $8 billion. The American Cancer Society estimates about 30,990 new cases (20,180 in men and 10,810 in women) of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2006. Roughly 7,320 people (4,910 men and 2,410 women) died of these cancers in 2005.

Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine expected to receive FDA approval any day now, and proven to provide women 100 percent protection against cervical cancer, might also offer the same level of protection against vulvar and vaginal cancers. Finnish researchers of the study that made the discovery note that while vulvar and vaginal cancers are less common than cervical cancer, more younger women are being diagnosed with vulvar and vaginal cancers.

The cervical cancer vaccines set to be approved this year guard against human papillomavirus, HPV -- a virus known to lead to cervical cancer. HPV is responsible for all cases of cervical cancers and is present in 80 percent of the 6,000 cases of vaginal and vulvar cancers diagnosed in the United States each year.

In a separate study, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have announced that the cervical cancer vaccine might lead to less cancer of the head and neck. "If we vaccinate everybody in the U.S., we could probably impact head and neck cancer in approximately 20 years," said Marshall Posner, director of the head and neck oncology program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Screening for cancer involves examination for early stages in the development of the disease even though there are no apparent symptoms. This holds true for oral and mouth cancers where your dentist or oral hygienist can detect changes in the tissues of the mouth when they are pre-cancerous or very small tumors. The screening procedure is quick and painless, cost effective, and can be performed by a dentist, dental hygienist, or doctor. If abnormalities are found, a referral to an oral surgeon is usually recommended.

What causes oral cancer is not known. There are certain risk factors that have been associated with oral cancer. Older black men who use tobacco are at highest risk of developing oral cancer. African Americans are at greater risk of developing oral cancer and dying from it. Men are twice as likely to develop the disease as women. It's more likely to occur in people over 40, although it has been found increasingly in younger people because of viral exposure and chewing tobacco use. Nearly 75 percent of people who develop oral cancer use tobacco -- they either smoke or use what has been incorrectly promoted as a safer form of tobacco -- chewing tobacco. Add heavy alcohol consumption, and risk is 15 times greater than that of the general populations. Exposure to the two strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) -- #16 and #18 -- has been associated with increased risk.

I first discovered Outta Body Mommy Deborah when we were both blogging in the AOL Journals community. I was in the middle of redecorating our home and she was in the middle of building a brand new home. Deborah had posted so you want to build a new home? some of the tips I learned when building a house, and before I got to tip twenty I was reduced into tears of laughter. Here was a woman who understood the intricacies and monumental frustration of remodeling/building a dream home and could take it all, wrap it up in a blog post, and make it all seem easier to handle. She has a way of taking the daily -- the mundane -- the foibles of being imperfectly human living in an imperfect world -- and transform life with her unique perspective into something you can laugh at, understand and finally accept. You claim and wholly own the frayed and tattered edges of how things really are as opposed to how you wish or imagine. When Outta Body Mommy moved to Blogger, I followed the thirty-something mother of three as she enrolled as a full-time college student.

Deborah and her blog have moved again, settling in over at Meredith Vieira's Club Mom, where she has been hired to blog her effort to quit smoking. She knows it's bad for her health and sets a bad example for her children. But in the usual Outta Body Mommy blog style, she is tackling smoking with the same personal voice in writing she has applied to every other aspect of her life. It won't be politically correct, it won't be sugar-coated, she won't write to gain the approval of anyone, and as a result, it will be real. Outta Body Mommy Deborah begins with meet me in the garage.