Young Tongues

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara sits down with Pete Jackson as he shares his journey with tongue cancer. Pete provides an intimate account of his life before and after diagnosis, detailing the early symptoms, the diagnostic process, and the challenges of treatment. Despite the fears and uncertainties, his resilience, positive mindset, and strong support network played a vital role in his recovery. He emphasises the power of peer support, highlighting how the Young Tongues community and other social connections were instrumental in navigating both the emotional and logistical aspects of treatment. Pete concludes with a heartfelt message of gratitude for the unwavering support of his community and the NHS.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara and Jamie catch up on life events and reflect on recent activities, including World Cancer Day. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the difficult decisions around choosing to undergo radiation therapy for tongue cancer, drawing from both Barbara's and Jamie's personal experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding individual risk factors, trusting medical professionals, and the long-term impacts of treatment. They stress the significance of patient empowerment, informed decision-making, and the importance of a supportive community.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, host Barbara welcomes Dr. Alexandra Kejner, a head and neck surgeon from South Carolina. Dr. Kejner shares her personal journey and professional background, highlighting her family's origins and her path to becoming a surgeon. The discussion dives into the intricacies of head and neck surgeries, the collaborative nature of surgical teams, and advancements in reconstructive techniques. The conversation also covers scar management, cosmetic concerns post-surgery, and the importance of holistic post-operative care. Dr. Kejnershares insights on maintaining a balance between professional demands and personal life, emphasizing the significance of peer support among female surgeons. The episode ends with a vision for future collaborations between healthcare professionals and patient organizations to improve outcomes for young tongue cancer patients.

In this episode of The Young Tongues Podcast, Barbara interviews Kelly, about her experience with tongue cancer. Kelly details her initial symptoms, misdiagnoses, and the prolonged delays before receiving an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Throughout the conversation, Kelly highlights the lack of communication and inconsistent standards of care she faced. Despite these challenges, she shares how her eventual treatment team provided the support she needed. Kelly also discusses her mission to raise awareness about these issues by sharing her story through various media platforms. The episode concludes with a call for uniform standards in cancer treatment and support across the UK.

In this episode of the Young Tongues Podcast, Barbara Fountain speaks with Dr Elizabeth Marsh, an Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Dr Marsh specialises in researching human papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in causing head and neck cancers. The conversation covers a range of topics, including Dr Marsh's professional background, the nature of HPV, its transmission, and the differences between HPV-related cancers of the cervix and those of the head and neck. The discussion also explores the effects of the HPV vaccine.Questions from the audience address subjects such as the specifics of HPV strains, the accuracy of testing, vaccine effectiveness, and the potential influence of hormones on tumour growth. The episode highlights the significance of continued research and the encouraging prospects for advancements in HPV-related cancer treatments.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara welcomes speech pathologist and audiologist Dr Roganie Govender. The conversation delves into Dr Roganie Govender professional journey and contributions to speech and language therapy, especially for head and neck cancer patients. The discussion covers the importance of person-centered care, the role of speech and language therapy in recovery, and the ongoing research aimed at improving patient outcomes. They address listener questions about rehabilitation timelines, the benefits of prehabilitation, and practical exercises to improve speech post-treatment, emphasizing patience and the personalized nature of therapy.