The presenter is a practicing speech-language pathologist who was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue 20 years ago. For a person to be so young and with no risk factors (non-smoker) this diagnosis was highly unusual. This session will discuss risk factors of oral cancer, medical interventions, speech/swallowing implications and treatment. The speaker will also discuss her personal experience as a patient and therapist at the time of diagnosis and through the 20 years following, both personally and professionally. The audience will gain a better understanding of how to approach any patient with a slightly different perspective and understanding of the people they treat.