Give to... an innovative screening tool against cancer

Target reached
from €25,000 (100%)

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the Netherlands, around 1000 people a year are diagnosed with a little-known form of mouth cancer known as oral cavity cancer, which originates in the mucous membrane of the mouth. Half of these patients die within five years; those who survive face treatment with major functional, social and aesthetic consequences.

Head and neck oncologist Lauretta Vaessen and her team are working on an innovative screening tool for the early identification of the risk of oral cavity cancer. By examining the bacterial composition in the mouth, doctors may be able to identify people with an increased risk of the disease at an early stage. Rapid detection will promote prevention, limit the medical consequences and significantly increase the chance of cure. In addition, the team aims to raise awareness of general health and the importance of oral hygiene in order to reduce the risk of oral cavity cancer. Additional funds are sorely needed to develop this screening tool. Vaassen needs at least €25,000 to bring this important innovation to fruition.

This disease does not discriminate, but can affect anyone. Will you support Lauretta in her fight against cancer?

About the project owner Lauretta Vaassen
Lauretta Vaassen is a researcher and maxillofacial surgeon and head and neck oncologist at the MUMC+.

'The relationship between oral health and cancer has rarely been studied. Our approach offers a unique way to tackle this disease and improve patients’ longevity and quality of life. Later, it would be fantastic if we could also use this screening tool to offer patients targeted treatment options.' – Lauretta Vaassen



Annual Fund Campaign: For Each Other 2022

Maastricht University is committed to equality and scientific and sustainable innovation. In order to reach the goals and dreams of your alma mater, we need your help! Together with the UM community, we can make the four unique projects a success. We are there #foreachother.

UM Crowd is part of the University Fund Limburg/SWOL. This fund is a recognised 'algemeen nut beogende instelling' (ANBI). This means that your donation is fully or partially tax deductible. You will receive an automatic email with a receipt after your donation. Click here for more information about ANBI.

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23-03-2024 | 15:11
23-03-2024 | 10:45
23-03-2024 | 07:32
23-03-2024 | 04:37 Al te vaak de gevolgen van mondholtekanker gezien. Hoe gaaf is het dan wanneer er een tool beschikbaar komt om ellende en verdriet te kunnen beperken/voorkomen.
28-02-2024 | 09:08
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Do you also support the new campaign against oral cavity cancer?

23-09-2022 | 12:49 From 19 till 23 September, the nationwide Make-Sense campaign took place: a unique initiative of the European Head & Neck Society, which brings together medical experts from numerous disciplines with the aim to raise awareness about the disease, and ultimately improve the treatment. UM also touches upon the topic with a special crowdfunding campaign regarding a new screening tool for early detection of oral cavity cancer: a little-known form of mouth cancer. Every year, about 1000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with the disease. A lack of knowledge about the cause of the disease means that half of these patients die within five years. This has to change and that requires additional funding. Lauretta Vaassen, maxillofacial surgeon and head and neck oncologist at the MUMC+, wants to use the donations to develop a new screening tool for an earlier detection and better treatment. Would you like to take action yourself? Use the button "start fundraising" or send an email to: info@ufl-swol.nl
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