For several months As the World Turns viewers have been expressing concern over a change in Colleen Zenk Pinter's (Barbara) speech. Speculations included a stroke or some sort of dental work. It wasn't until last week when she granted an interview to CBS's Early Show that an answer became available: the actress has been battling cancer.


Back in March, Colleen discovered what she believed was a run-of-the-mill canker sore in her mouth. The sore went away, but other sores soon popped up. She immediately contacted her primary physician, who then ordered her to see a specialist. For the next four weeks, the sores were treated as though they were a combination of a bacterial and fungal infection. The sores responded to medication, but they soon returned. It was then that the doctor determined that the sores were something much more serious: She had been stricken by oral cancer. The news came as a surprise to the 54-year-old actress, who doesn't smoke or drink - two of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. She is, however, a carrier of the human papilloma virus (HPV), the virus that can cause cervical cancer in women. Now doctors also link HPV to oral cancer. "I was so lucky that it was discovered as Stage II cancer," Colleen explained. "[The doctors] were able to treat me and perform the surgeries on me that still enabled me to have use of my tongue. And I still have my taste buds. It's a very, very invasive kind of procedure." Over the course of three separate surgeries, half of her tongue had to be reconstructed. In the first procedure, the lower portion of the right side of the tongue was removed, leaving just the surface of the tongue. Surgeons used a portion of the left side of the tongue to reconstruct it. In the other two surgeries, radioactive seeds - similar to those used for men with prostate cancer - were implanted into her tongue. "I want to thank the fans for the love and support they have sent my way these past months," Colleen said in a statement. "You will never know how much your kind words and encouragement have meant to me. Today I am cancer-free, but my disease is with me every second of every day. My tongue is hard, lumpy, laced with scar tissue and often covered with painful blisters. It affects my speech, how I eat, how I drink and how I kiss my husband. Yet, I am lucky."


Colleen is now cancer-free. However, she is angry that a simple check up could have found the cancer earlier. An oral cancer screening can -- and should -- be done at the dentist's office. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained to perform a visual head and neck examination, as well as an oral soft tissue examination. The checkup is painless and takes only a few minutes. Every year, oral cancer kills more people than cervical, prostate or skin cancer. If found early, there is a more than 80% survival rate.

As the World Turns Wally Kurth (Ned, General Hospital) debuts as Sam November 28. Lauretta Vaughn (InTurn 2 contestant) is back as Kit November 26. Jed Orlemann (Hayes, One Life to Live) plays Carly's lawyer November 2. Jonathan Roumie appears as a P.I. November 2. Malachy Cleary weds Paul and Rosanna November 1.

Bold & the Beautiful Dan McVicar (Clarke), Mick Cain (C.J.) and Drew Tyler Bell (Thomas) are all back November 1.

Days of Our Lives Ashlee Holland (winner of I Wanna be a Soap Star IV) begins her 13-week stint December 26. Darren Zancan (winner of I Wanna be a Soap Star Live! tour) guests as a forensic specialist.

Guiding Light Jim Davidson comes back as Alonzo for Halloween. As does Joseph McKenna (Del).

One Life to Live Charlie Kevin (Brandon), Andre Ward (Clarence), Benjamin Howes (Harvey), Randy Roberts (Cher) and Jason Zambos (Liza Minelli) appear as drag queens October 29.

OUTS

Days of Our Lives It seems as though the Carvers are on the chopping block. The show isn't confirming anything but perhaps Renee Jones (Lexie) and Marcus Patrick (Jett) are on their way out.

General Hospital Lindze Letherman (Georgie) may be the next murder victim.

THIS WEEK

All My Children Richie has Ryan right where he wants him. Zach reveals his plan to Kendall. Aidan sets out to rescue Greenlee.

As the World Turns Lily learns of Holden's meeting with another woman. Lucinda is wary of a possible new employee. Emily and Chris share surprising news.

Bold & the Beautiful Nick brings baby Jack home. Jackie holds her first press conference. Stephen Logan returns home to unite his family.

Days of Our Lives Kate pays EJ and Stefano a visit. Sami is threatened. Belle confesses to Shawn.

General Hospital Jax, Jerry and Sam are ambushed. Sonny takes action. Lulu comes up with a dangerous plan.

Guiding Light Lizzie and Dinah form an interesting partnership. Tammy appears with a message for Cassie. Olivia gets a scare.

One Life to Live The Buchanans are in shock after the reading of Asa's will. John gets closer to finding Marcie. Natalie makes Jared jealous.

Passions Gwen blasts Eve. Endora and Tabitha are reunited. Esme urges Fancy to fight for Luis.

Young & the Restless Jack tries to prove his innocence in Ji Min's death by casting suspicion on someone else. Heather learns something incriminating about Paul.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Kyle Lowder (Rick Forrester, Bold & the Beautiful) www.kylelowder.net

Kyle, a recent transplant from Days of Our Lives (Brady Black) plays Rick, the eldest son of Brooke and Eric.

Kyle, a classically trained vocalist, studied music theory and voice performance with Dr. Renato Mario Vellutino, of Italian opera fame during his senior year of high school, was accepted into the prestigious All-State Choir, which consisted of the top 280 rated singers in New York state. Kyle received a perfect rating of 100. He continued studying music at Syracuse University but left during his sophomore year to pursue his acting career. He has continued, though, performing the national anthem for Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association games.

Kyle was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His family moved to Pleasantville, New York when he was three. He became the quarterback of the Pleasantville Panthers, All High School Track Championships. Prior to acting roles, he appeared in several national campaigns and runway shows for Abercrombie & Fitch and Speedo. Kyle currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Arianne Zuker. His birthday is August 27.

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