NASCAR widow warns of head, neck cancer dangers

Judy Fortin, CNN News

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 6, 2008 at 2:04 PM EST

Story Updated: May 6, 2008 at 2:04 PM EST

(CNN) — According to the American Cancer Society, 35,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. An estimated 7,000 will die.

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“If you have a sore in your mouth that doesn't resolve in a week to two weeks, that's definitely something you should get checked out,” Dr. Michelle Cullen of the Emory School of Medicine explained.

Lori Hamilton's husband Bobby was diagnosed with neck cancer at the age of 47.

“He wasn't aware of it, he wasn't aware that head and neck cancer was the fifth largest cancer out there,” she said.

The champion NASCAR driver died last year and now Lori is encouraging people to get screened for the disease.

“It's painless — the worst thing they do is hold your tongue out and they look down your throat,” she said.

People with a history of heavy smoking and drinking are most at risk, but the American Cancer Society now estimates up to 30 percent of cases may be caused by a sexually transmitted virus.

“There has been some recent evidence that demonstrates that head/neck cancer, particularly in the base of the tongue and the tonsils, may be linked to human papilloma virus, or HPV,” said Dr. Amy Chen with the American Cancer Society.

Doctors say early diagnosis is key to survival.

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