Two of the most powerful tools we have in saving lives from throat cancers, are awareness and early intervention. When diagnosed early enough, we see survival rates as high at 95%.
Long regarded as a ‘smoker and drinkers’ cancer, this is no longer the case, with many of cases being diagnosed are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). According to the World Health Organisation, HPV related cancers, including throat are one of the world’s most preventable cancers, with long term aim to eradicate them with simple life saving vaccinations administered at an early age.
Cassie Gudgeon and her whole family’s world was rocked, when in 2023, her dad, her best friend was diagnosed with a throat cancer caused by HPV. It was an awful time and left them all powerless to watch the dad go through some brutal rough treatment. Thankfully he got through it and got the all-clear. They are soon realised that him having an HPV throat cancer could have been prevented with a simple jab and they wouldn’t have gone through hell and back.
She then became an ambassador of the Throat Cancer Foundation and is now talking with people to watch out for any potential signs of throat cancer and get diagnosed if necessary and educate them about the importance of being vaccinated to get the maximum protection against the disease. These actions of Cassie will make a big difference helping people realise the connection between HPV and some throat cancers. She truly is saving lives.
For more information about HPV and throat cancers, and how to prevent them, visit the website at www.throatcancerfoundation.org.
