PEOPLE Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett has revealed he has been diagnosed with throat cancer.
According to the HSE, over 500 new cases of throat cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year with a five-year survival rate of just 48 per cent.
TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he will now undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy[/caption]
According to the HSE, laryngeal and tongue cancers are the most common[/caption]
And the classical risk factors are: being male, increasing age, a history of smoking and heavy alcohol consumption[/caption]
The Dun Laoghaire TD said he found out about the throat cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago and he will now undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The 58-year-old also said doctors insisted that he cannot work during the treatment as it can be “pretty rough”, especially when eating and drinking given the placement of the cancer.
Mr Boyd Barrett said the people who voted for People Before Profit “deserve to know if I’m not around” as he vowed to be back as “soon as possible” after the treatment.
But the TD said he needs to “throw everything” at his recovery.
Mr Boyd Barrett said he noticed a swelling in his neck while shaving during the middle of the General Election campaign last year.
He went to the doctor just before Christmas, adding that the cancer services he received have been “very good”.
Mr Boyd Barrett said he underwent a biopsy and had his tonsils taken out, which led doctors to find he had throat cancer that was prompted by the HPV virus.
Speaking on RTE Radio One’s Today with Claire Byrne, he said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to say I recently got a cancer diagnosis and I found out a few weeks ago.
“And I have to enter into a fairly intense period of cancer treatment over the next … well, it’s going to certainly take a couple of months probably.
‘IT’S VERY CURABLE’
“The doctors have said that it is very curable – so I have a good chance.
“It’s been caught relatively early because it was in my tonsils, it’s gone to my lymph nodes but no further, so I have to get radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and they say the chances of that working are about eight or nine out of ten, which is good.”
Throat cancer isn’t a precise medical term doctors use, as the throat is made up of several parts with different names.
According to the HSE, laryngeal and tongue cancers are the most common types of throat cancer.
RISK FACTORS
The classical risk factors include being male, increasing age, a history of smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.
The HSE said: “Oropharyngeal cancers are now being diagnosed in younger men and women.
“This group does not necessarily have all the classical risk factors and their illness may be associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
“Ireland’s five-year survival rate for head and neck cancer is just 48 per cent as over two-thirds of patients are diagnosed with late stage disease (Stage III and IV).
“Excellent outcomes can be achieved for patients presenting with early stage disease.”
SYMPTOMS OF THROAT CANCER
The symptoms of throat cancer are often similar to those of other much less serious conditions, according to the Irish Cancer Society.
And the symptoms also depend on where the tumour is located.
There are 11 symptoms to look out for:
- A sore or ulcer that does not heal – longer than 3 weeks
- A swelling or lump in your mouth or neck
- White or red patches in the lining of your mouth or on your tongue that don’t go away within 3 weeks
- Difficulty or pain on chewing and swallowing
- Sore throat or difficulty speaking
- Hoarseness
- Unexplained pain in your face, jaw or throat
- Numbness in your jaw, face and mouth for no known reason
- Unexplained loose tooth/teeth
- Earache, ringing in the ear or hearing problems
- Blocked or bleeding nose
- Changes in your breathing at rest
If you experience any of these symptoms you should see your GP.
EARLY DETECTION
The HSE said that a clinical examination is one of the most effective ways of detecting oral disease early, including cancer.
Extra-oral clinical examination involves:
- Examination of the neck, salivary glands and facial bones
- Assessment of nerve function, especially in patients with facial pain
Oral examination always includes:
- Visual inspection of all parts of the mouth with a good light
- Retraction of the lips and tongue to properly view the oral cavity
- Palpation of the oral mucosa with a gloved hand to detect change
The HSE added: “Everyone should have an annual dental check-up, including edentulous patients.
“A population based screening programme for oral head and neck
cancer is not recommended, but opportunistic assessment is
advocated as an integral part of routine medical and dental
examinations.”
Tobacco, alcohol and HPV are the main risk factors for head and
neck cancer.
Smokers should always be offered smoking cessation therapy, i.e., a combination of counselling and pharmacotherapy.
And the HPV vaccination is also highly recommended.
Throat cancer risk factors
THERE are six big risk factors for throat cancer.
Age: The risk of head and neck cancer increases with age, with the highest rates in people aged 65 to 69.
Sex: Laryngeal cancer is more common in men than women.
Smoking: Tobacco use (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) significantly increases the risk of laryngeal cancer and other head and neck cancers.
Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for laryngeal cancer.
HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly certain types, is linked to an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer (back of the tongue and tonsils).
Family History: A family history of head and neck cancer can increase your risk.