If in doubt, get voice changes checked out

This is the message being sent out to anyone worried they may have throat cancer, as part of a major new health campaign.

'Don't delay': Bill Goodhand, who enjoys gardening, has suffered from throat cancer and would like to raise awareness of the condition.

Bill Goodhand, who was diagnosed with the disease last year and is now in remission, is joining the drive to urge anyone concerned about their health to go and see their doctor before it is too late.



The campaign was officially launched by the Humber and Yorkshire Coast Cancer Network (HYCCN) at Grimsby's Blundell Park.

Its aim is to advise more people of the disease's main symptoms and to encourage anyone concerned about their health to see their GP if they persist for more than three weeks.

Mr Goodhand, of Waltham, knows how easy it is to miss the symptoms of this potential killer, so wants to help others become aware of the signs to look out for.

He said: "As a lifelong smoker, I had developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was given the medication Budesonide to take.

"The side affect of this medication is developing a croaky voice, but this is also one of the symptoms of throat cancer.

"At the time I thought nothing of it and put it down to the medication.

"It was only when my son picked up on my voice that I decided to go to see my GP.

"He diagnosed me with thrush at the time and told me it should clear within 10 days.

"This was not the case, so I was referred to Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, where I had a biopsy and was diagnosed with throat cancer.

"It was a huge shock and not a nice thing to have to tell my family.

"However, I am lucky to have found it when I did or else the outcome could have been very different."

Mr Goodhand was treated at Castle Hill Hospital, in Hull, where he underwent 30 sessions of radiotherapy and eight sessions of chemotherapy before he was given the all clear.

However, he still has to have regular check-ups to make sure the cancer has not returned.

He said: "Having cancer makes you more aware of your mortality.

"It does not wait around which is why it is so important to catch it as soon as possible.

"I would encourage men, and smokers especially, not to put off going to see your GP if your voice changes. It is their job make sure you are OK."

Find out more

For more details about the campaign and throat cancer, visit www.getitchecked.co.uk