15 May 2025

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SNDA raises money for research at the annual Oral Cancer 5K

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On a cool and crisp April morning, the sun shone brightly as students, faculty and friends took to the streets to raise money and awareness for a worthy cause. On Saturday, April 6, runners and walkers came out in Chapel Hill for the annual Oral Cancer 5K Run and Walk sponsored by University of North Carolina’s Student National Dental Association. This year, all proceeds from the race will support Aimin Peng, PhD’s, research lab within Adams School of Dentistry, which focuses on oral cancer and DNA repair.

April is recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. According to oralcancerfoundation.org, this year, 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer, and it can be particularly problematic because it can often be difficult to detect. Peng said oral cancer is not as well-known as other types of cancer and isn’t studied as often, leading to funding needs.

“It’s more common than people think, the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and outcomes have not been improved for several decades,” Peng said. “Not a ton of research has been invested into this cancer type, and while there has been research progress in other types of cancer, the study of oral cancer is still relatively limited and doesn’t have many new treatment options.”

The Oral Cancer 5K takes place each spring in honor of UNC Adams School of Dentistry’s very own oral cancer survivor, Scott Eidson, DDS.  Eidson retired from his restorative practice of 30 years in 2008 to join the faculty of ASOD and served until 2021. He is a six-year survivor and advocates for early detection by promoting thorough head and neck exams regularly. Eidson was unable to attend this year’s event, but the event’s organizers were grateful to recognize his enduring support and generous contributions during the years, which have played a key role in the event’s continued success.

Co-chair Aruja Patel is a third-year dental student at ASOD and became involved with the Oral Cancer 5K in her first year at the dental school as a committee member. She was drawn to both the planning process for the race and the significance of the cause.

“The role of co-chair has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as organizing a race involves lots of behind-the-scenes effort. Despite the challenges, the event was a success, and we are committed to continuing to grow participation and funds raised each year,” she said.

Many humans participated in the Oral Cancer 5K, but this year, one canine celebrity was in attendance. Grayson, a 7-year-old golden retriever and ASOD’s resident therapy dog, came out to the race to show support and boost morale. Grayson works daily in Koury Oral Health Science Building, comforting young patients who are anxious about sitting in the dental chair.

UNC ASOD, through its foundation and various fundraising initiatives, has raised significant sums to support its mission of education, research and community service. This year,  approximately $3000 was generated to fund research for oral cancer, which could lead to better health outcomes for patients with the disease.

Source: https://dentistry.unc.edu/