The Central Coast has the second highest incidence of head and neck cancer in NSW which why Ms Lisa Shailer, head and neck cancer nurse coordinator at the Central Coast Cancer Centre, Gosford was determined to raise awareness about this little known form of cancer on Inaugural World Head and Neck Cancer Day on Monday, July 27.
Head and neck cancer refers to cancers in the mouth, nose and throat areas, including the voice box. “Some patients require surgery that may be disfiguring; others need an artificial airway created through the neck, removal of their voicebox, a feeding tube, and/or complete removal of all teeth,” she said.
There are several symptoms including a lump or swelling in the neck, changes with speech or voice, difficulty chewing and swallowing, red or white patches in the mouth, or persistent sore throat, cough or earache. Former television presenter, radio host, singer and West Gosford resident, Mr Donnie Sutherland OAM CM was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.
“I remember going for a walk one afternoon and was jolted by a quick, sharp pain in my neck,” Mr Sutherland said. “The next month I started noticing slight changes. “I was having some difficulty swallowing and eating meat. “Within a month, my colleagues pointed out that my voice was changing. “That’s when the penny dropped and I finally went to the doctor,” he said.
Mr Sutherland was seen by two specialists who confirmed he had a large tumour in his throat. Without immediate attention they predicted he had six months to live. After 50 years in showbiz, this may be the end. “I couldn’t sleep from worry and disbelief, and kept wishing I had not delayed seeing a specialist for so long,” he said.
Mr Sutherland had combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy and then later surgery to remove his voicebox and part of his oesophagus. He lost his sense of smell, had a feeding tube surgically inserted in his stomach, and now breathes and speaks through a stoma; a permanent airway opening in his neck.
“Donnie was seen by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, medical and radiation oncologists, dentists, a cancer nurse coordinator, lymphedema therapist, dietician and a speech pathologist,” Ms Shailer said. “He’s also active in the CoastCanCare Wellness Programs, which support patients going through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery.
Reflecting on his experience, Mr Sutherland said he was grateful for the support he received and is positive about the future. “It’s now 18 months since I was given the news that I could only have six months to live. “I am so grateful for the support given to me from my medical teams when I was feeling so helpless.“I may never speak normally again, I may never eat normally again and I will never work again, but I am alive and I am very happy about that,” he said.
According to Ms Shailer, if diagnosed early, head and neck cancers can be more easily treated without significant complications, and the chances of survival greatly increase. “The current overall five year survival rate is around 75 per cent, which is very encouraging.
“The best way to avoid this type of cancer is to stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these are two of the biggest risk factors, especially when combined.
Media release,
20 July 2015
Casey Virgin, Central
Coast Local Health District