Introduction
Throat and oral cancers are often misunderstood, overlooked, or detected too late. At the Throat Cancer Foundation, the mission is clear: to raise awareness, provide support, and drive early detection for all forms of throat cancer, including those linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). One powerful example of this mission in action is the story of Sharon Moreby, whose journey with tongue cancer highlights both the critical importance of listening to one’s body and the life-saving impact of awareness.
Recognising the Symptoms
Sharon’s experience began nearly two decades ago with a persistent white, cobweb-like patch on her tongue. Over an 18-year span, she underwent eight biopsies and a laser treatment, all of which identified the area as dysplasia – abnormal but non-cancerous cells. However, the warning signs continued. A biopsy that failed to heal was followed by worsening pain in the ear, jaw, and neck, and a large lump that appeared under her jawline. Initially misdiagnosed as a blocked salivary gland and nerve damage from previous procedures, her symptoms were brushed off by her doctor.
Unwilling to ignore what she instinctively knew was wrong, Sharon turned to her dental hygienist. Her concerns were taken seriously, and after reviewing photographs of the persistent lesion, her oral specialist decided to conduct a new biopsy. The results confirmed her fears: it was an aggressive HPV-related cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
On 11 October 2023, Sharon underwent a gruelling nine-and-a-half-hour surgery to remove the entire left side of her tongue. A reconstruction was performed using tissue from her left arm, and 44 cancerous lymph nodes were removed. Her treatment continued with 24 hours of chemotherapy across two days, followed by 33 sessions of radiotherapy.
Despite the intense physical toll of treatment, Sharon’s resilience remains unwavering. She continues to face complications, including an exposed wire from a Doppler device at her surgical site, which recently required additional hospital intervention.
The Importance of Awareness and Support
Sharon’s experience is a stark reminder of the importance of early detection and trusting one’s instincts. Her years of openly discussing symptoms and encouraging others to seek medical advice have not gone unnoticed. Friends and acquaintances have credited her for prompting them to seek biopsies, some of which thankfully returned clear results. Others, like a close friend who also had tongue cancer and is now facing cancer of the voice box, have leaned on Sharon for emotional support during their own treatment journeys.
Her advocacy has undoubtedly made a difference. By sharing her story, Sharon continues to raise awareness about the rising prevalence of HPV-related oral and throat cancers and the importance of acting on persistent symptoms.
Conclusion: Turning Pain Into Purpose
Sharon Moreby’s story is one of courage, vigilance, and generosity. Her determination to speak out, even through personal hardship, epitomises the ethos of the Throat Cancer Foundation: saving lives through education, support, and early detection.
Call to Action
Throat cancer can affect anyone, and stories like Sharon’s are a powerful reminder of why awareness matters. Help the Throat Cancer Foundation continue its life-changing work by supporting our campaigns, sharing symptom information, or making a donation. Together, we can make earlier diagnoses more common—and lives longer and healthier.
