Sonya Sotinsky, diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer, faced radical surgery that removed her tongue and voice box. This drastic change propelled her to examine the significance of voice in establishing personal identity. Despite her challenges, Sotinsky recorded her voice prior to surgery to preserve her essence. She articulates the profound frustration of losing her voice, emphasizing its importance for self-expression and connection. Meanwhile, the article highlights the rising rates of HPV-related throat cancers and the need for better vaccination rates to prevent such diseases in the future.
"What the literal you know what?" This expression illustrates Sotinsky's frustration with being unable to vocalize her thoughts and emotions after losing her voice.
"I have silently screamed and screamed at there being no scream." This poignant statement encapsulates the profound impact of losing one's voice and the struggle to express oneself.
Sotinsky's unique intonation and cadence were fingerprints of her identity, serving as a reminder of how intimately voice is tied to personal identity and connection.
Head and neck cancer rates in the U.S. are rising due to HPV-related cancers, emphasizing the need for better education and vaccine uptake among adolescents and adults.
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