THE family of a grandad battling tonsil cancer wants to raise awareness that its cause can affect men as well as women.

Paul Niven, 64, a retired prison officer from Walney, was diagnosed in June of this year.

The dad-of-four and grandad of seven has undergone a course of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy after the cancer spread to his lymph glands.

The cancer was caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and although doctors expect him to recover, Paul's condition is still rare with a very small number of people with HPV developing tonsil cancer.

"It's such a shock when you find out," said his daughter Vicci Niven-Cooksey, 41. "He wasn't a smoker and the doctors said this just isn't what you expect. 

"In most people, it causes no symptoms so you can have it all your life and not know.

"Much of the information about the HPV virus centres on women as it increases their risk of getting cervical cancer.

"But it's important to raise awareness that the HPV virus can cause health problems in men too."

(Right to left) Paul with Siobhan, Victoria and Joel (Image: Vicci Niven Cooksey) The HPV virus affects the mouth, throat or genital area.

It is considered easy to catch and most people will get some type of HPV in their lifetime.

For 90 percent of women with HPV, the condition will clear up on its own within two years. 

Only a small number who have one of the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer will ever actually develop the disease.

HPV can be detected in females who have had an abnormal smear test however, at present, there is no reliable HPV test for men which often affects the back of the throat - including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls in school year eight since September 2008 and it wasn't until September 2019 that the vaccine was also offered to year eight boys.

Paul Niven with his family (Image: Vicci-Niven Cooksey) Paul has been travelling back and forth to Royal Preston Hospital five days a week for his treatment which has proven expensive.

His family and friends decided to put on a charity night in the King Alfred pub on Ocean Road, Walney.

Friends Gary Oakes and Paul Henderson plan to shave their heads to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Royal Preston Hospital and to cover his travel expenses.

"Dad is doing OK thanks to the fantastic support of his family and friends and he's wanting to join in with the head shaving," said Vicci.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to raise funds for an amazing, hard-working and caring charity such as Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Royal Preston Hospital who have been so good.

"Any contribution will help and will be very much appreciated."

The night, called 'Give for Niv', will take place on October 5 complete with an auction and raffle prizes including a painting signed by boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. 

To find out more, visit the Go Fund Me page which has so far, raised £3,215.