Luminița Iancu

During last year’s awareness week I educated my patients so they could recognize the head and neck cancer symptoms and championed for early detection and reduction of risk factors.

My cancer story started in 2011 when a small lesion was removed from my oral cavity. The pathology report confirmed the cancer diagnosis, and I realize that my whole life was about to change. Prior to the diagnosis I was an accomplished, self-made entrepreneur owning a dental clinic, having a beautiful family and enjoying my friends and hobbies.

Through my profession, I knew that I was going to have to follow a course of treatment recommended by a multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board, but I decided to work out and tried to act as normal as I could. To be honest, the suggested treatment then got harder; I got mouth sores and could not swallow. Although I was occasionally tired from the treatments, I could still function pretty well, despite many issues that were going on.

I have to advise other cancer patients—this is a fight that you cannot win alone. Thus, I praise the support of my family and friends, who motivate me to continue my fight. Another big advantage was the doctors’ experience with head and neck cancers. They recommended me to the best therapies to use to manage my disease and explained to me what symptom management strategies are most effective.

I am delighted to say that I have been cancer-free since ending the treatment and after my cancer diagnosis I started setting my priorities differently and enjoying life even more. My hope is that relating my experiences as a dentist, who experienced medical care from the other side, I will provide for my patients. I recognize the importance of being actively involved in one's own care. As a result, I began to get involved with the Make Sense campaign least year in Romania.

During last year’s awareness week I educated my patients so they could recognize the head and neck cancer symptoms and championed for early detection and reduction of risk factors.