Actor and producer Michael Douglas has donated his time to help create a television public service announcement (PSA) on behalf of the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF).
The PSA has now been released and will begin appearing across the U.S., according to the foundation.
Douglas first sought medical help in 2010 after experiencing a sore throat that persisted for a protracted period of time. After several doctor visits, he was found to have a tumor on the base of his tongue. With further analysis, Douglas was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma oral cancer, and he immediately began both radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Douglas is now cancer-free and in good health. He continues to have regular checkups to monitor his remission.
The PSA will support the OCF's efforts to educate the public about the need for annual screenings to catch oral cancers in their early, most survivable stages.
OCF founder and Executive Director Brian Hill, who survived the same cancer as Douglas, said the actor's willingness to talk about his personal experience has created public awareness of the little-known cancer.
