Whangarei GP Dr Andrew Miller was diagnosed with HPV related head and neck cancer ten years ago.
He's in remission now, but his treatment required 16 months off work, and has left him with long term disabilities.
The HPV infection, or human papillomavirus infection, which causes some head and neck cancers, as well as cervical cancer, is preventable by the HPV vaccine.
And for the past year, an HPV self-test for women, has made early detection much easier.
Andrew Miller says he's sharing his experience to highlight the importance of vaccination and testing.