The Silent Signs of Oral Cancer: What Every Adult Needs to Know
Dr. Parul Dua Makkar shares her powerful journey after losing her brother to oral cancer—and how early detection can save lives.
Learn the hidden signs of oral cancer from Dr. Parul Dua Makkar as she shares her brother’s story and how to protect your health with early detection.
Oral Cancer Symptoms You Should Never Ignore: A Dentist’s Story of Loss, Awareness, and Action
Let’s Talk Smiles Podcast – Featuring Dr. Parul Dua Makkar
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Meet Dr. Parul Dua Makkar
In this powerful episode of the Let’s Talk Smiles Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, a dynamic dentist, speaker, and advocate who turned personal tragedy into a nationwide mission for oral cancer awareness, education, and early detection.
Born in India, raised in the U.A.E., educated in the U.S., and having practiced dentistry in Canada, Dr. Makkar is truly a global citizen. Her diverse background has helped her develop resilience, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that now serve her in her powerful new role as a voice for change.
And yes—she’s also a stamp collector with over 4,000 stamps from more than 200 countries!
From Personal Loss to Public Advocacy
Parul’s life was forever changed when she lost her beloved younger brother and fellow dentist, Dr. Manu Dua, to oral cancer. Manu’s diagnosis came suddenly, and his passing left a hole in her life that she had to navigate without family nearby.
Instead of retreating, she found strength by forming new support systems and meaningful connections, balancing her grief with the many roles she plays—dentist, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and entrepreneur.
But Parul’s greatest hope? That Manu’s story won’t just become another statistic.
She’s on a mission to ensure it becomes a movement—one that educates healthcare professionals and everyday people on the importance of oral cancer prevention, early detection, and compassionate care.
“Life Interrupted” – The Book Behind the Movement
Parul co-authored the deeply moving book Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide, based on the writings and reflections of her late brother. In it, she and Manu challenge readers to confront life’s darkest moments with courage, and to recognize the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.
Her signature message?
“Live your best life possible—and always #duagoodjob.”
Learn more about her book and mission:
https://parulduamakkar.com/meet-parul/
For Healthcare Professionals: Learn More and Do More
Dr. Makkar created a virtual course for healthcare professionals to increase competency and compassion when treating patients at risk for oral cancer:
Comprehensive Oral Cancer Care: From Diagnosis to Survivorship
An educational and emotional journey through the full spectrum of care.
Sign up or learn more here:
Watch the Full Episode
Tune in to this eye-opening conversation as we reflect on family, healing, and how one woman is using her pain to save lives.
▶️ Watch now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Ic9B07Wscho?si=dPFVYWl9KKlNESs2
Final Thoughts
This episode reminds us that oral cancer is often silent—but it doesn’t have to be invisible. Awareness is powerful. Sharing stories like Parul’s can help people get screened, get diagnosed early, and get a second chance at life.
If you haven’t scheduled your annual oral cancer screening, let this be your sign to do it today.
Want more powerful conversations and life-changing tips? Subscribe to Let’s Talk Smiles.
You never know when an episode might change your life—or save it.
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