Oropharyngeal cancer includes cancers of the tonsils, base of the tongue and other parts of the throat. It’s usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). People who have successfully completed treatment for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer often have a good prognosis and are able to return to their daily lives.

But survivors may go on to develop voice and speech symptoms years after treatment. Moderate to severe voice symptoms...

As a health care quality professional, Al Thomas always made his annual physical a priority. When he went to see his primary care physician in Lexington, South Carolina, in January 2020, Al asked about his risk for colorectal cancer, even though at 38, he hadn’t reached the recommended age for a screening colonoscopy.

Al’s cousin and lifelong best friend had just been diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer. He died a few months...