CONTRIBUTED BY MANDY KELEHER
Head and neck cancer was unknown to me until I was diagnosed. Though it encompasses over 11 different cancer types, awareness remains low. About 10 to 11 years ago, I noticed my gums on the upper left side became puffy and started bleeding. Multiple dentists dismissed it as Periodontitis, but treatments had no effect. Over three years, the gum issue worsened, and a significant gap developed between the two teeth.
In 2019, just before my wedding, a dentist flagged the enlarging gap and urged me to seek urgent specialist attention. Due to timing, I postponed the appointment, but after returning from our honeymoon, I saw a dentist at the Indigenous Health Centre, Yulu Burri Ba. They took initial X-rays, prompting a referral for more detailed scans and biopsies. A private specialist performed a biopsy, initially suggesting a benign lesion. However, during a follow-up, I was devastated to hear it was cancer.
The diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). I was referred to the Maxillofacial team. The urgency was clear: surgery was scheduled for March 18. The operation lasted 11.5 hours, removing nine teeth, part of my upper jaw, a neck dissection, and a fibula graft for reconstructing my jaw. The tumour was larger than initially thought, and I received four units of blood during surgery.
Post-surgery, I faced multiple subsequent procedures, including additional surgeries for complications from implants and radiation therapy. Despite challenges, survival was the goal – and I was fortunate to be saved.
Key facts:
- No screening tests exist for head and neck cancer.
- Early detection saves lives and enables less invasive treatment.
- Over 5,300 Australians are diagnosed annually; 70% are men.
- Causes include tobacco, alcohol, and HPV.
- Symptoms to watch for (lasting over two to three weeks): mouth ulcers, lumps, ear pain, hoarse voice.
If you notice symptoms, seek urgent medical advice. Awareness and early detection are critical.
I am passionate about raising awareness for HANCA (Head and Neck Cancer Australia) and generating much-needed funds to support their ongoing efforts in helping patients and their families, as well as conducting research. Currently, no pre-screening can be done, and quite often, by the time Head and Neck Cancer is found, the results can be life-changing.
In November, I will be embarking on a four-day trek through the Three Capes in Tasmania to raise money and awareness. One of the first fundraisers I am hosting is a Fashion Parade on July 27 for World Head and Neck Cancer Day at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.
Why is my fashion parade different from others, you ask? My models are family members of head and neck cancer patients, along with one lady who is a survivor like me – and our local member.
