Scott Webb | Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month
To wrap up our April spotlight on Esophageal, Head and Neck, and Testicular Cancers, we’re honored to share the story of Scott Webb, a head and neck cancer survivor from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Scott’s journey reminds us of the power of community, vulnerability, and leaning on others during the toughest seasons of life.
What were your warning signs? What made you feel like you needed to get checked?
I had a swollen lymph node on my neck — the kind that usually swells when you have the flu or a cold. But there was no pain, which turned out to be a symptom of neck cancer.
How did you initially respond to your diagnosis?
I was stunned — and honestly, a little embarrassed — because my diagnosis was HPV+16. It wasn’t something I expected, and it caught me completely off guard.
How do you feel society expects men to react to a cancer diagnosis?
Society expects men to be strong and just suck it up. There’s this underlying belief that we shouldn’t show emotion, struggle, or ask for help — and it can make an already difficult journey even harder.
What was your prognosis, and where are you at today in your cancer journey?
Since my cancer was HPV+16, my doctor said it was the “good” one — meaning it’s highly treatable with better outcomes compared to cancers related to smoking or alcohol use. Today, I’m two years out from my last treatment and currently have no evidence of disease.
How did you first discover Man Up to Cancer? What has your experience been like?
I was referred to Man Up to Cancer by someone in another support group that was specific to head and neck cancer.
Joining MUTC has been an important part of my healing and connection journey.
What advice would you give to another man who has just been given a cancer diagnosis?
When I was first diagnosed, seeking out a support group was the last thing on my mind.
Now, I believe the earlier you find support, the better.
It’s a hard journey to walk alone — and you don’t have to.
Aside from Man Up to Cancer, what other resources have you relied on or would recommend?
I attended Reel Recovery, which was an outstanding experience. I actually went to Reel Recovery before attending the Man Up to Cancer Gathering of Wolves in the Poconos — and I don't think I would have been able to handle the larger group setting without first going through the smaller, more intimate experience at Reel Recovery. Alongside my wife, Lisa, we now run the Head and Neck Cancer Support Group at Penn State Hershey, helping others navigate their journeys.
