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Midwife shares journey from fish bone incident to stage 4 throat cancer diagnosis

Mary Amankwaa Fordjour, a professional midwife and throat cancer survivor, is raising awareness about the disease by sharing her personal experience. Her health challenges began around 2000 when a fish bone became lodged in her throat while she was eating banku with tilapia. Attempts by her family to dislodge the bone with banana and bread were unsuccessful and led to it being pushed deeper, necessitating emergency surgery at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Approximately seven years after this incident, Mary developed persistent hoarseness. Despite seeking medical attention, doctors were initially unable to determine the cause, and she was referred to a speech and language therapist. Frustrated, she eventually stopped treatment. Her condition worsened when she discovered a painless lump at the back of her head. After self-treating with antibiotics without success, she consulted a doctor who referred her to a specialist, leading to a diagnosis of stage 4 throat cancer. Mary underwent multiple surgeries, including the removal of affected tissues and her larynx. As a result of the treatment, she now communicates using a device fitted to her throat.