Lump in Throat Swallowing: Cancer Symptoms Explained
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The words “cancer” and “scan” can send a shiver down anyone’s spine, conjuring a potent mix of dread and uncertainty. For those who have faced the formidable challenge of head and neck cancer, this anxiety can be a persistent companion, a shadow that lingers even after treatment. yet, as the story of one survivor, Liam Freeney, powerfully illustrates, it is possible to navigate this emotional landscape and emerge not just healed, but stronger and more appreciative of life.
The Mental Marathon: Overcoming the Dread
Freeney,a resilient individual who has battled cancer more than once,openly shares his experience with the mental toll of awaiting scan results. “I’m due to go for a scan or waiting for results, I feel a sense of dread. But that’s a mental thing I have to get over,” he admits.This raw honesty resonates with many who have walked a similar path. The fear of recurrence is a deeply human response, but Freeney found solace and strength through counselling at the oncology support center in UHL.
His counselling sessions provided him with a crucial coping mechanism: self-reassurance. He learned to anchor himself in the fact that he had already overcome cancer multiple times. “I tell myself that it’s not necessarily a death sentence if the cancer comes back and that I’m doing what I can to keep my body healthy by eating well and exercising,” he explains.This proactive approach to his well-being, even when faced with limitations – “I can no longer go on ultra runs and I miss the challenge of them but I’m getting into cycling rather” - is a testament to his enduring spirit.
Advocating for Your Health: The Power of Listening and Asking
Freeney’s journey underscores the vital importance of actively participating in one’s own healthcare. He stresses the need to listen to your body and be your own advocate. “Listen to your own body and advocate for your health,” he advises. “ask questions and don’t stop asking them until you get proper answers.” This empowers individuals to take control and ensure they receive the best possible care.
Understanding and Preventing Head and Neck cancers
Professor Sinead Brennan,a leading voice in cancer research and care,sheds light on the broader landscape of head and neck cancers,emphasizing the role of prevention and early detection.
The Silent Threat of HPV
“The HPV virus causes a subset of head and neck cancer that occurs in the tonsils or back of throat, and the National Cancer Registry shows that there are approximately 200 cases of these cancers every year,” Professor Brennan states. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a notable factor in a growing number of head and neck cancers, especially those affecting the oropharynx.The good news is that this risk can be considerably mitigated through vaccination. “The HPV vaccine that is given to boys and girls in first year of secondary school will help prevent these cancers as well as cervical, vulval, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers,” Professor Brennan explains. She strongly encourages global uptake of this vaccine, highlighting it’s broad protective benefits. “All teenagers should be encouraged to get this vaccine.”
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and Alcohol
beyond HPV, Professor Brennan identifies smoking and heavy alcohol consumption as two of the other major risk factors for head and neck cancers.These lifestyle choices have a profound impact on an individual’s susceptibility to developing these diseases.
“If people smoke less and reduce their alcohol intake, they can significantly reduce their risk of head and neck cancer,” she asserts. This message is a powerful call to action for individuals to re-evaluate their habits and make informed choices that prioritize their long-term health.
Finding Strength in Adversity
For Liam Freeney, the experience of cancer, while undeniably challenging, has also been a catalyst for profound personal growth. He now chooses to focus on the positive transformations his journey has brought about.
“The mental impact of cancer is tough but if you get through it, it can make you stronger,” he reflects. “It has made me more appreciative of what I have. It has made me want to really live my life.” This viewpoint shift, from dwelling on the negative to embracing the lessons learned, is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day: Raising Awareness
Sunday,July 27,marks World Head and Neck