Really worried about my mum, advice please hoarse voice

[Natasha1]

Any advice would be great.

My mum who is 64 has had a hoarse voice the past four or so weeks.
She was given one weeks course of penicillin and whilst it didn't go away it seemed better.

She is due to go back to the doctor next Monday who will then refer her but in the meantime I am really really worried that it could be throat cancer - she used to be a heavy smoker of around 40 a day but gave up around 20 years ago BUT she drinks every day & has done for a long long time, not sure exactly how much she drinks but at least three gin & tonics 6 nights of the week.

She also has mild COPD. Does anyone know of the likehood that it could be throat cancer.

Sorry to hear that you are worried about your Mum. The government seem to be having a really big push on adverts at the moment - the one about repeated coughing is never off the radio. And they do say that if you are concerned you should go and get it checked out. I'm not a medic but if you are worried the best thing to do is to go back to the doctors, share your concerns and ask for further investigations/ tests.
I hope you manage to get things sorted x