Leeds singer who lost her voice box to cancer no-one has heard of is fighting for research
“When I was first told I would lose my voice box, I thought I had lost such a fundamental part of who I was”
A Leeds singer who feared losing her voice box would also mean losing her identity is now using her remarkable return to performing to raise awareness – and vital research funding – for a cancer almost nobody has heard of.
Tanja Bage was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the larynx in 2020, aged just 38. She underwent a total laryngectomy, removing her voice box and vocal cords, followed by intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Five years on, the mum-of-two has learned to speak again using a speech valve and has even returned to singing and performing – from joining the Shout at Cancer laryngectomy choir to appearing in the Royal Opera's Sound Voice Project and performing alongside professional soprano Lucy Crowe.
But her own cancer journey took a devastating turn earlier this year, when the disease returned and spread to her liver, spine and pelvis. The 44-year-old has now been told there are no further treatment options available to her.
Now she is turning her attention to the future – and to the patients who may come after her.
Tanja was due to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks today (September 19) with more than 90 friends and family, aiming to raise money for research into ACC and other salivary gland cancers. The team has already raised more than £20,000.
“When I was first told I would lose my voice box, I thought I had lost such a fundamental part of who I was,” said Tanja. “I grieved the loss of my voice and I still miss my singing voice and the ease of talking without effort.
“But I've found new ways to express myself and I've been incredibly lucky to have opportunities to sing and perform again. I want people to know that life doesn't stop when you lose your voice – there is still so much you can do.”
ACC affects an estimated 3 to 4.5 people per million each year and accounts for approximately 1% of head and neck cancers. Its rarity means there is less research and fewer treatment options available when the disease returns or spreads.
Tanja hopes the money raised through the Three Peaks challenge will help change that.
“When you are told that your cancer is incurable and there are no more treatment options, it is incredibly frightening. But I want to use the situation I find myself in to do something positive.”
Funds will go to Salivary Gland Cancer UK and the Ella Project, which support people affected by salivary gland cancers and fund research into new treatments.
To support Tanja's fundraising and help fund research into salivary gland cancers, visit the GiveWheel page: Team Tanja for ACC - GiveWheel