The cancer survivor, Andrew Neilson, urges "to get the hang of it"

The first sign of Andrew Neilson's cancer was when a lump on his neck "appeared" an afternoon of work.

"He was not there at lunch time and when I came home at 5 pm, he appeared," recalled the 46-year-old

Three weeks later, the representative commercial of Palmerston North saw his GP. An ultrasound in mid-January was followed by a fine needle biopsy that came back clear

It was only after another biopsy to exclude lymphoma that carcinoma was detected. Neck cancer was secondary – the disease had first developed at the base of Neilson's tongue.

The treatment offered in the public system was cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Neilson said the surgery could be done in Auckland. his private health insurance with Southern Cross, had a piece – "about half a golf ball" removed by a robot, controlled by a surgeon.

Searching for "Transoral Robotic Surgery" on YouTube and clips show a cutting edge robot and expert peeling "Basically, the surgeon is sitting on a console and the robot has a camera and two arms of the size of." a wand, "says Neilson

. the end of these arms, they have the nippers, the scissors … so that they can perform the surgery in a very small space. "

Neilson's cancer was linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), like other cancers of the neck

HPV is extremely common and most In New Zealand, vaccination against HPV Gardasil is free for youth ages 9 to 26 and normally administered through school programs.

HPV types responsible for approximately 90% of cervical and other cancers. HP-related cancers, and 90% of genital warts

Today, it is World Cancer Day of the head and neck

It was said that there was 98% chance of being cured – they urge young people to get vaccinated

These efforts were overseen by the Head & Neck Cancer Support Network, a group of patients and survivors who works with DHBs and health

Neilson signed the authorization form for the vaccination of his 12-year-old son the day before d & # 3 9, learn that he had cancer against which the same jab protects. His message to other parents and young people: "Just take the jab."

"This is not a pleasant cancer to live, post-surgery is incredibly painful, there is nothing nice about radiation. do it at the back of the throat … I've had a very easy ride compared to a lot of people. "

Dr. David Grayson, Clinical Director of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery at Waitemata DHB, said in the past throat cancer was normally seen in the elderly, including those who smoked or drank heavily

However, in recent years, the number of young people with throat cancer has increased dramatically, especially among people aged 30 to 40. A lot related to HPV

The reasons were complex and not entirely clear, said Grayson, but it was "obvious" to vaccinate young people against HPV.

"If you do not vaccinate, you are really exposing yourself to this risk of developing cancer And the treatments for her are pretty horrible. For something that is completely avoidable, it makes perfect sense to have it. "