Anthony Charlesworth
'Head and Neck Cancer has changed our lives, relationships & the future we had planned. But we can still laugh!'
Anthony 'Tony’ Charlesworth, 65, lives in Tailem Bend, South Australia, with his partner Angela. Originally from Whyalla, Tony and Angela moved closer to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) to reduce travel for frequent medical appointments. “We’re fortunate to live near very good friends who are a wonderful support,” he shares. Tony’s children and grandchildren live in New South Wales, while Angela’s son resides in Melbourne, and Tony’s siblings remain in Whyalla.
A former spray painter, house painter, building maintenance supervisor, and security officer, Tony has also enjoyed photography, riding motorbikes, and contributing to community youth services. However, since undergoing a total laryngectomy in January 2023, Tony has had to stop working. “All my jobs involved physical labour, speaking, or toxic fumes, so none of them are possible now,” he explains.
Tony’s symptoms began in 2019, with noticeable voice changes and a persistent tickle in his throat. “As a typical man, I put off going to the doctor until Angela made an appointment for me,” he recalls. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his access to specialist care, and it wasn’t until November 2020 that he secured an appointment. “Within an hour of seeing the specialist, we were at the RAH, and a biopsy was scheduled for Christmas Eve,” Tony shares.
The diagnosis: Stage 1 cancer of the larynx.
He began six weeks of radiotherapy in January 2021, but in November 2022, the cancer returned. A total laryngectomy became the only option.
The surgery, performed in January 2023, was life-changing. “Recovery has been slow and ongoing. There are many things I can no longer do, and the things I can do take much longer than they used to,” Tony says.
A significant challenge Tony faces is the lack of government funding in South Australia for heat and moisture exchange (HME) systems for laryngectomy patients. “This is my only complaint about the system in South Australia. HMEs would make my life so much better and keep me healthier,” he emphasises.
Despite these challenges, Tony expresses gratitude for the care he’s received. “We’ve been so fortunate with the staff and treatment at the RAH. Our speech pathologists, Alison and Lee, have been amazing, and Caroline, the head of the Head and Neck Clinic, has been outstanding.”
The diagnosis and treatment have deeply impacted Tony and Angela’s lives. “It’s changed our lives, relationships, and the future we had planned,” Tony reflects. However, they’ve maintained a sense of humour and positivity throughout. “We can still laugh!” he says.
Tony’s story highlights the importance of advocacy for better resources for Head and Neck Cancer patients.
Tony is one of our heroes for Challenge 440 - a unique awareness and fundraising campaign which encourages people to step into the shoes of someone living with the impacts of Head and Neck Cancer.
Learn more: Challenge 440
