Anson was diagnosed with HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil back in 2020. He underwent 7 weeks of chemo-radiation therapy, but then in 2021 the cancer was found to have metastasized and spread to his lungs.  He underwent 2 years of immunotherapy treatment, which finished in November 2023. His Stage 4 cancer is currently being monitored.

Anson is geographer / environmental scientist, and although recently retired he now holds the position of Professor Emeritus at University College London.