A CANCER survivor is warning anyone concerned with having the disease to get themselves checked.

John Scott, 74, from Abberley, was concerned about his neck line looking asymmetrical four years ago, so he visited his doctor at the surgery in Great Witley.

Mr Scott said:”I was referred to a consultant who took a needle biopsy and cancer was confirmed in my neck and right tonsil so surgery was performed.

“I thought it was a death sentence as the prognosis wasn’t good.

“I was cut from below the chin, across my shoulder to take my lymph nodes out.

Thirty-eight stitches were needed to close the wound and some nerves were damaged in his neck, causing issues with swallowing.

Gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed next to kill any remaining cancer cells left that could move around the body, potentially forming new tumours.

READ MORE: ‘Don’t die of embarrassment’: Bowel cancer survivor urges people to get checked

Before the radiotherapy took place, he had 10 molar teeth removed as the treatment would destroy any teeth with signs of decay.

A tight mask was made to be used to keep his body in place during treatment.

Mr Scott added: “The mask can be claustrophobic but I just had to get on with it and summon a degree of courage.

“After six weeks of treatment, my body was so weak as I was taking a massive dose of chemotherapy after the radiotherapy.

“I went through a bad patch but I though the doctors are doing their best so I needed to carry on.”

Now Mr Scott is an advocate for The Swallows charity and living cancer-free.

The Swallows chairman, Chris Curtis. “With the incidence of head and neck cancers increasing, it is vital we understand what we can do to help patients."

Mouth Cancer Foundation clinical ambassador,Mahesh Kumar said: “The problems and symptoms experienced by patients after treatment significantly impacts patients’ daily life. We also know physical disfigurement can increase social anxiety."