A father of two, Anthony Perriam, faced the terrifying prospect of losing his tongue after discovering a small lump under his jaw, which turned out to be head and neck cancer related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This type of cancer, while more commonly associated with women and cervical cancer, can also affect men, something that Perriam was unaware of until his diagnosis. The incident has prompted him to advocate for greater awareness around HPV's potential to cause serious health issues in men, emphasizing that early detection is crucial.

Perriam describes his initial visit to his general practitioner after noticing the lump and the subsequent diagnostics that led to his cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, he considers himself fortunate to have sought medical attention in a timely manner, as delays could have resulted in the loss of his tongue or even a fatal outcome. His story sheds light on the broader implications of HPV, which is known to affect a significant percentage of the population, often without causing symptoms or major health problems.

Highlighting a lack of knowledge regarding HPV among men, Perriam calls for increased education on the virus and its association with various cancers. He believes that more awareness could lead to early diagnosis and ultimately, better survival rates for those affected by HPV-related illnesses. His experience serves as a sobering reminder of the silent risks posed by HPV, challenging the perception that it primarily affects women and underlining the collective responsibility to educate and inform all genders about this virus.