Cheltenham-based dental practice, Illume, will be highlighting its continued commitment to the Mouth Cancer Foundation by participating in the charity’s official 10K walk on September 20 in Hyde Park, London.
As the only practice in Cheltenham accredited by the Mouth Cancer Foundation under the Mouth Cancer Screening Accreditation Scheme (MCSAS), Illume is keen to help increase public awareness of mouth cancer and the importance of early detection for successful treatment of the disease.
The MCSAS only accredits dental practices which are able to actively prove they regularly screen their patients for head and neck cancers, and where necessary, provide an effective referral service to a local specialist for those that require further investigation.
Illume offers all of its patients a thorough mouth cancer screening service as part of its Healthy Mouth Review, and also extends its expertise to the general public by offering ‘2 minutes to save a life’ no obligation free mouth cancer screening appointments.
Practice Owner, Tim Rumney, said: “As a Mouth Cancer Foundation accredited practice we aim to do all we can to increase public awareness of Mouth Cancer, and the necessity of regular mouth cancer screening.
“Illume’s participation in the forthcoming Mouth Cancer Foundation Charity walk is an extension of our ongoing commitment to the charity, where we hope to gain support from both our clients and members of the local community.”
The Mouth Cancer Foundation charity walk is an annual event that marks the countdown to Mouth Cancer Action month, which takes place every November. Having run for eight years, 2014’s event has been billed as the largest to date, set to attract thousands of participants and spectators.
Dr Vinod Joshi, Founder of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, said: “Head and neck cancers are vicious and debilitating when detected late. Patients who survive suffer many disabilities with speech, swallowing and appearance being affected. The Mouth Cancer 10KM Awareness Walk is a great opportunity for mouth cancer survivors, their families and friends, the public and health professionals to come together and stand up against this disease.”
Tim Rumney and Non Clinical Director Alison Rumney have gathered a team of supporting staff to take part in the event, including Practice Coordinator and Registered Dental Nurse Clare Pollard, Dental Hygienist Leanne Hobbs, Registered Dental Nurse Lucy Edwards and Associate Dentist David Barrett.
Tim said: “The Mouth Cancer Foundation Charity Walk provides us with an excellent opportunity to support those diagnosed or affected by Mouth Cancer, and to remind our clients and members of the local community about the importance of regular dental appointments for prevention of the condition.
“We are all very excited about our pending trip to London, and are extremely grateful for any donations we receive in support of our efforts.”
To sponsor Team Illume and to help them reach their £1,000 donation target for the Mouth Cancer Foundation, visit their fundraising page: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Illume
For further information about Illume’s Mouth Cancer Screening service please visit the practice website www.illumedentistry.co.uk
