HOUSTON – April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and one young woman’s story is shining a light on the challenges and triumphs faced by those diagnosed with tongue cancer.
Beth Riehle, a cancer patient, is using social media to show that life can still be full and meaningful, even after a life-altering diagnosis.
After multiple surgeries, including the total removal of her tongue, Beth found herself navigating a new reality. She sought treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where she received specialized care tailored to her needs.
Beth was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of tongue cancer. The diagnosis shocked her and led to a journey of re-learning how to speak and eat.
Dr. Karen Choi, an associate professor of head and neck surgery at MD Anderson, explained the complexity of Beth’s case.
“Given how much of the tumor was involving the tongue and oral cavity, she met with a multidisciplinary team,” Dr. Choi said. “The recommendation was for her to have surgery.”
Following her surgery, Beth was a candidate for a unique treatment called proton therapy. This innovative approach targets a small area without damaging surrounding organs. In Beth’s case, it meant focusing on a tumor in her head.
“Following her surgery, she had some high-risk features in her specimen,” Dr. Choi noted. “We wanted to try and do everything we could to minimize that risk as much as possible. So that’s why we recommended re-irradiating with proton therapy.”
Despite the challenges, Beth refused to let cancer define her. She turned to TikTok to document her journey and show others what she is capable of.
“I tried to find someone that looked like me, that had the same experience,” Beth said. “I couldn’t find anything. I wanted to see my progress, first of all. And I also wanted to be out there for other people.”
Beth quickly gained a following, with nearly 70,000 followers inspired by her strength and determination. Her videos cover everything from surgery and speech therapy to the moment she rang the bell, signaling the end of her cancer treatment.
“I never expected this level of support,” Beth shared.
Her story serves as a reminder that cancer does not discriminate. Despite having few risk factors, she finds herself battling the stigma that she could have done something differently.
“Bad things happen to good people, but life is worth living,” she said.
