Eva Grayzel

Eva Grayzel, a professional interactive performance artist, was diagnosed with late-stage oral cancer at age 33 and told she had a 15 percent chance of survival. A non-smoker, she was bounced among dental professionals while the ulcer on her tongue grew more prominent and painful.

“It was two years and nine months from the first appointment with a dental professional until the day I was finally diagnosed with late stage oral cancer. During that time, no one EVER mentioned the words ‘oral cancer’ as a possible cause. Finally, I made an appointment with Dr. Mark Urken, the chief of head and neck surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital. I took the bus into Manhattan the fateful day of April 1, 1998 not having the slightest idea that what was on my tongue was remotely serious.”

Grayzel endured a partial tongue reconstruction, a modified radical neck dissection, and a maximum dose of radiation therapy. Through an extraordinarily successful treatment plan, Grayzel not only survived but also regained her ability to speak clearly. With a second chance at life, Grayzel couldn’t let the same thing happen to someone else.

A champion for early detection, Grayzel founded Six-Step Screening™, an oral cancer awareness campaign for dental professionals and the general public. For her initiative, she was recognized by the American Academy of Oral Medicine and awarded honorary membership.

“I share my personal story hoping it will inspire dental and healthcare professionals to perform oral cancer screenings on all their patients, educate them about what they are looking for and the early signs of oral cancer. It’s more than my mission to educate. It’s my tribute to all those that came before me and my obligation to those that will follow.”

Grayzel celebrated her 10-year cancer free anniversary by founding the Talk4Hope which includes two children’s books to promote dialogue and minimize fear around cancer, and My Story Legacy, a 12-page guide to document personal stories, a gift as valuable as material possessions.