A mother who used lozenges to alleviate her painful throat was shocked to learn that it was cancer, likely triggered by oral sex. Leanne Addis endured a sore throat for ten weeks, starting in February 2024, and resorted to lozenges and paracetamol for relief. However, when a lump appeared on her neck and her mouth began bleeding, she sought medical help in May 2024.
Following a visit to her GP, Leanne, a mother of three, received antibiotics and was referred to hospital specialists for further evaluation. Within two weeks, she received the devastating diagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer, attributed to HPV 16, a sexually transmitted infection.
Aware of the challenging treatment ahead, Leanne had recently watched a cancer documentary and had just begun dating her fiancé when diagnosed. After enduring rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Leanne is now cancer-free and undergoing regular check-ups.
The dog groomer is sharing her story to encourage others to promptly address any unusual symptoms and consider getting the HPV vaccine. Reflecting on her journey, Leanne emphasized the importance of early medical attention and preventive measures like vaccination.
Despite her physical fitness and healthy lifestyle, Leanne was taken aback by the diagnosis, having experienced a persistent sore throat and a noticeable neck lump. Following medical consultations and a biopsy, she commenced treatment to combat the disease.
Due to her weight loss, Leanne received a feeding tube to maintain her nutrition during treatment. After enduring chemotherapy and radiation, she faced excruciating pain and prolonged recovery but eventually showed signs of improvement.
Now, a year post-treatment, Leanne stresses the significance of regular check-ups and preventive measures like the HPV vaccine. She advocates for awareness and proactive healthcare, underscoring the importance of early detection and preventive actions to combat cancer.