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Dozens screened for oral cancer at American Diabetes Association event

Posted at 4:25 PM, Oct 17, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-17 16:25:19-04

RICHMOND, Va — People who showed up to support the American Diabetes Association at their annual 5K got a healthy surprise of their own Saturday morning .

The Virginia Dental Association was on hand at the Walk to Stop Diabetes to provide screenings for oral cancer. It’s part of the VDA’s “Where’s the Chair?” initiative, providing screenings across the state. More than 30 people took advantage of the two-minute screenings Saturday.

“The Virginia Dental Association is a proud supporter of the American Diabetes Association and knows a healthy mouth is critical for a healthy body,” said  VDA spokesman Danny Rubin in a press release.

About 42,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year and about 8,000 die annually from the disease . The VDA has also sponsored “Where’s the Chair?” screenings in Hampton Roads, Roanoke and Charlottesville.