Early detection of cancers can help tremendously, giving patients the best chance for a positive outcome. Cancers that remain undetected can result in a lower chance of survival and greater complications associated with treatment. Donors’ generous support ensures Manitobans are aware of important screening programs that can lead to earlier detection and ultimately to better patient outcomes.
For Neil, getting screened resulted in early detection and successful treatment of his colon cancer. With a known history of cancer in the family, Neil’s mother urged him to get checked for colon cancer when he was just 31 years old. Her own experience of having been diagnosed with cancer in early adulthood prompted her to encourage her family members to be proactive with cancer screening.
“I went to make my mom happy… she was very persistent! I’m so glad that I did. It saved my life.” – Neil
Despite having no symptoms, Neil was diagnosed with colon cancer and scheduled for surgery the next week. Catching the cancer early meant his prognosis was favourable and for the next five years, he was cancer-free.
Donor investment into programs at CancerCare Manitoba that are critical to the early detection and successful treatment of many cancers give Manitobans like Neil and his mother hope for better outcomes and more tomorrows together.
In 2004 Neil was in Afghanistan as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, but within weeks of his deployment he became unwell. Blood tests revealed concerns for blood cancer, and he was urgently flown back to Winnipeg and taken directly to the hospital.
Within days Neil was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He responded well to an aggressive treatment plan and after completing many rounds of chemotherapy, the leukemia was in remission.
Neil and several of his family members have Lynch Syndrome, an inherited condition that results in an increased risk of developing cancer at a young age, often before age 50.
Neil and his family are grateful that donor support ensures Manitobans with Lynch Syndrome and other genetic conditions have co-ordinated and timely access to screening tests and personalized recommendations for cancer prevention.
For the next 10 years, Neil enjoyed a cancer-free life with his family and friends.
He continued to work full time in the military and travelled extensively. He remained physically active and was regularly screened for cancer – initially every year, then every three years. In 2014 however, he was diagnosed with colon cancer yet again. Neil required another surgery, which was thankfully successful, and today he is living a full life, once again cancer-free.
“I am now checked annually to ensure I continue to be free of cancer.” – Neil
Neil is grateful to donors for their continued support of screening education programs.
Neil has passed the importance of screening on to his sons and other family members who also get checked regularly. Neil is looking forward to retiring in the next few years and spending more time with the people he loves. He shares his experiences with cancer openly to help others understand the importance of knowing their personal risk factors and getting checked.
