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A man from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, who once smoked up to four packs of cigarettes a day, now lives without his voice after developing cancer
Retired civil servant Ismail Mahmud, 68, said his condition stemmed from a long-standing smoking habit that began in his teenage years, during which he could smoke as many as 80 cigarettes a day.
The habit eventually took a toll on his health when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
He said the symptoms began without any pain, and he only sought treatment at a clinic after they persisted for three months.
"The doctor found that the symptoms were linked to cancer, and I was immediately referred to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, where I was later diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer.
"It was very upsetting because I never expected to have cancer, and the doctor told me it was due to my heavy smoking habit," he told Berita Harian in an interview.
As the cancer spread to his voice box, Ismail had to undergo surgery to have it removed
The emergency procedure lasted 13 hours and left him permanently without a voice.
After the operation, Ismail said he underwent 30 radiotherapy sessions and continues to attend hospital check-ups every three months.
To communicate, Ismail now relies on an electronic speech aid, which is placed against his neck to produce speech
"Although the sound from the device is unusual, at least I can talk to others," he said, adding that life feels quiet without his own voice.
The widower shared that his two wives had passed away after battling uterine cancer and pancreatic cancer, respectively.
Not expecting to become a cancer patient himself, the father of 13 added that he is now grateful to be cancer-free and maintains a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrence.
