Learning about Throat Cancer
- Country star John Berry, 63, felt like he had something stuck in his throat for an entire tour in 2018. Little did he know, he had throat cancer.
- After surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Berry beat the disease and slowly found his voice again. He’s continued to play shows ever since: “Whether it's a beautiful sunny day outside or we've got cancer, still let us rejoice and be glad in it. Whatever it is.”
- Throat cancer, in general, is a type of head and neck cancer. Factors that can increase your risk for developing the disease include: tobacco use, heavy drinking, too few fruits and vegetables in your diet, acid reflux disease and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, but there is a vaccine that protects people from developing it, which helps prevent cancers related to the disease.
- Berry's cancer journey is one of many that highlights the need to listen to the signs your body is giving you. One ovarian cancer survivor told us that she “could explain away every single one of [her] symptoms.”
- Even if you do address the signs from your body, it’s important to remember you know your body best. If a doctor tries to dismiss your symptoms, push for the answers you deserve. One breast cancer survivor reminds others that "the squeaky wheel gets the oil."
The “Your Love Amazes Me” singer first started noticing something was wrong in early November 2018. At the time, he was preparing for his 22nd annual Christmas Songs and Stories Tour.
Read MoreBut, astoundingly, he finished the “20-city tour and never missed a note.”
After the tour, Berry tried a second round of antibiotics to no avail. That’s when John's wife, Robin, pushed him to go to an ear, nose and throat specialist, otherwise known as an ENT.
Crazily enough, the doctor he happened to see was actually an intern when Berry underwent vocal cord surgery in 1997.
How to Push for a Correct Diagnosis
"Not that everyone's voice isn't important, but at least this gentleman understood what I did for a living," Berry said. "And it's just funny how God puts people and circumstances in your life that just really make you feel comfortable all of the sudden."
After a simple look into Berry’s throat with a flashlight, the doctor was sure he was looking at throat cancer. The “straight shooter” of a doctor told Berry right away, and he was, understandably, floored.
"You could have pushed me over with a feather," Berry said. "That's the last thing I was expecting him to say. A tonsillectomy, maybe. But the word cancer just never entered my mind."
After a CT scan to confirm his diagnosis, Berry underwent a tonsillectomy a surgery to remove the tonsils which sit at the back of the throat. Then, he had a biopsy that showed a second tumor that was forming on his other tonsil.
After having his tonsils and part of his soft palate removed, Berry underwent 35 rounds of radiation, five days a week for seven weeks. He also had chemotherapy once a week for eight weeks. Thankfully, the grueling treatments were successful.
"There's an old gospel song that I like to turn to: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," John said. "Whether it's a beautiful sunny day outside or we've got cancer, still let us rejoice and be glad in it. Whatever it is. That's sort of how I've been trying to live my life."
Berry was able to slowly get back to singing after completing his treatments, and he’s continued ever since.
Just in 2023, he’s been doing various shows by himself as well as with a band. He also recently celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the release of his debut album John Berry and plans to embark on his 27th annual Christmas tour this winter.
If you’d like to learn more about what Berry is up to next, check out his website at the link here.
Know the Signs of John Berry’s Type of Cancer
Throat cancer, like John Berry had, is generally a type of head and neck cancer. Throat cancers can have different names depending on which part of the throat is affected.
It’s unclear exactly what leads to cancers of the throat, but several factors can increase your risk of developing the disease including:
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco
- Heavy drinking
- Too few fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Acid reflux disease
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease
Most HPV infections resolve on their own, but it’s important to note that the vast majority of throat cancers develop after infection with a cancer-causing strain of HPV. Thankfully, these kinds of throat cancers typically respond to treatment.
Get the Facts: What Do We Know About HPV-Linked Throat Cancer?
“HPV-related throat cancer, generally, is very responsive to treatment with radiation and chemotherapy,” Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, said. “And the cure rates for patients who have HPV-related disease are a lot higher than those who have tobacco-related throat cancer.”
Plus, there is a vaccine that helps protect people from HPV, which helps prevent cancers associated with the disease.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all male and female preteens 11 to 12 years old in two doses given between six and 12 months, according to the CDC.
The series of shots can also be started as young as 9 years old.
The CDC also notes that teens and young adults through age 26 who didn't start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need the vaccine.
Since there's no annual screening for throat cancer, doctors tend to discover the disease when a patient develops symptoms. Some signs and symptoms include:
- A cough
- Changes in your voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- A lump or sore that doesn't heal
- A sore throat
- Weight loss
These symptoms are not exclusive to throat cancer, but you should always see a doctor if you have any changes to your health.
The Importance of Listening to Your Body
John Berry's cancer journey is one of many that highlights the need to listen to the signs your body is giving you. And if you need further evidence to always advocate for your health, consider Stephanie Virgin’s story.
"You Are Your Own Best Advocate"
Virgin was struggling with symptoms like cramping and lower back pain for quite a while before she finally decided to talk about them with a doctor. Eventually, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
"I could explain away every single one of my symptoms," she said. "I didn't even realize they were symptoms.
"If you don't feel right, call your doctor. If your doctor doesn't listen, get a second opinion. You need to know that you are your own best advocate."
Advocating For Yourself While Navigating the Medical World
Even if you do address the signs from your body, it’s important to remember you know your body best. If a doctor tries to dismiss your symptoms, push for the answers you deserve. Never hesitate to seek out multiple opinions if you’re unsatisfied with the care you’ve been given.
"The squeaky wheel gets the oil," breast cancer survivor Jenny Saldana says. Before receiving her diagnosis, she kept being dismissed by doctors who told her she was "taking up resources for women that really need them."
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