Alan Wilkins, 72, from Cardiff, was diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancer in August 2024 after experiencing a persistent tickle in his throat while covering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados.
Just weeks later, he was told the cause was a nearly four-centimetre tumour.
Mr Wilkins said: “I didn’t want an abrupt finish to my career. That’s not vanity. It’s my work. It’s me.”
Following treatment, he completed his final round of radiotherapy on October 11, 2024.
By January 2025, he was back behind the microphone.
Mr Wilkins said: “I still love the job.
“I didn’t want cancer to dictate the end.”
Now in recovery, he is using his experience to raise awareness about HPV and the importance of vaccination, particularly for boys and young men.
He said: “For young males now to have access to a vaccination, so they don’t have to go down this awful path – that’s huge.
“It’s a new dawn.
“If sharing this helps one person go to their doctor with a ‘tickle’ that won’t go away, then it’s worth it.”
HPV is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact that can, in some cases, lead to cancer.
Dr Sandeep Berry, consultant otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at Cardiff and Vale UHB, said: “The HPV vaccine has been used worldwide for years, it’s safe and effective and is part of the national immunisation programme in Wales.
“It helps boys and girls stay healthy, prevents HPV-related cancer and strengthens public health overall.”
Mr Wilkins hopes that by speaking out, he can help reduce the stigma surrounding HPV and encourage early medical advice.
He said: “I made a vow to myself, to Susie, to our family, that this wouldn’t get me.
“And it hasn’t.”
