Dentist who beat cancer does his bit
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A DENTIST who defied the odds and beat oral cancer is giving something back to the charity that helped him.
Dr John Barry, who runs the Bridgend Dental Clinic in Thurso, is staging a coffee morning at the practice on September 19, as part of Macmillan’s drive to raise awareness about cancer.
Macmillan organises a national coffee morning every year where people and businesses raise funds to help the charity’s aims.
Dr Barry has full knowledge of what cancer can do after he himself was diagnosed with it and not given long to live.
However, he beat it and recovered thanks to the aid of Macmillan staff who were able to provide expert care and advice to him.
As well as offering coffee, Dr Barry will be providing free oral cancer screenings for anyone who wants one. They will be free of charge, although people are encouraged to leave a small donation which will go towards Macmillan.
Shona Grant, who works at the surgery, said: “Although September 19 is not the official Macmillan coffee morning day [September 28], we are staging it a week before so as not to be in competition with other folk so they don’t lose out on donations.
“Oral cancer screenings will be on offer as well as advice on spotting any possible symptoms and what to do if you are diagnosed with it. It’s free but people can leave a donation.
“Dr Barry himself was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2006 and was told that it was terminal. However, he was offered a treatment that was radical back then that involved a throat transplant. This would involve losing half his throat and half of his tongue.
“He was also advised that there was a chance he might not survive the surgery – and if he did, he may not be able to talk again.
“Yet he survived and was still able to talk. Two years ago, he finally got the all-clear and was told he would have as much a chance at enjoying a good life as anyone else.
“In fact, if you didn’t know his history and just met him for the first time, you would know he had gone through that treatment to beat cancer.”
Shona also revealed that Dr Barry wanted to thank Macmillan by staging this event. She added: “He was well looked after by Macmillan’s staff and wants anyone else who needs their care to benefit from it.
“With regard to oral cancer itself, an early diagnosis can make all the difference. That’s why we encourage people to see their dentist every six months.
“If you notice something unusual about your mouth, go to the dentist. It might be nothing but it is better to rule out having cancer instead of worrying about it.”
