A DENTON grandad, who was told in 2022 that he could have less than a year to live, is getting behind a campaign to support a new test aimed at detecting hidden tumours.
Lee Young was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary after experiencing back pain and initially thought he had pulled a muscle while playing golf.
When it didn’t ease, the 58-year-old saw his GP who referred him for tests and a biopsy revealed an 8.5cm-long tumour near his kidneys.
To Lee’s surprise, doctors could not find where the cancer had first started and they gave him the devastating blow that he could have less than 12 months to live.
The father-of-two, who lives with wife Joanne, underwent six rounds of chemotherapy as part of a clinical trial and a recent scan discovered that the tumour had reduced in size by half.
Now, Lee receives immunotherapy every three weeks and continues to be monitored regularly.
“I had no idea what cancer of unknown primary was until it was explained to me,” said the mechanic.
“After being told the unthinkable, I didn’t feel sorry for myself, there are people worse off than me. My glass is always half full, it has to be.
“The way I feel it’s like I have been given a second chance by outliving the original prognosis and I am grateful and make the most of every day.
“My tumour has shrunk, but they still can’t find the original source of the cancer, so it’s impossible to treat but they can try to maintain it.”
Lee understands more than most the importance of research into cancers of unknown primary.
“This research is vital,” he stated. “If doctors can find out where a cancer starts, then they will know how to treat it and it could make all the difference to people’s lives.”
Lee hopes his story will inspire people to raise money to help make the next cancer breakthrough happen.
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 and, since its launch in the UK in 2012, has raised more than £113 million. It has helped to fund 73 clinical trials and research projects, involving more than 13,000 cancer patients.
Scientists are working on a groundbreaking new test which aims to unravel the enigma in detecting hidden tumours.
Described as a liquid biopsy, the blood test could offer hope for people diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary – from which around 1,100 people die in the North West every year.
Prognosis is usually poor because without knowing the location of the original tumour, treatment is limited, and doctors can only give a combination of chemotherapy drugs used to treat a broad range of cancers.
But now thanks to a new team set up at the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre in Manchester, progress is being made with the discovery of a new blood test that can locate hidden tumours by tracing DNA.
Scientists have already started work on the test and are now conducting trials on a larger scale, courtesy of a funding boost of nearly £400,000 from Stand Up To Cancer.
If successful, it is hoped the test could be rolled out to a clinical trial within three years, to help improve treatment options for patients with cancer of unknown primary.
Lee is now calling on people to take part in Stand Up To Cancer’s challenge to complete 100 squats a day throughout November, or choosing from other fundraising ideas. A free pack is available online here for inspiration and support.
“Cancer can affect anyone’s life, at any time, so we really have no choice other than to unite against it and help support the scientists to keep making new discoveries,” Lee added.
“That’s why I’m lending my heartfelt support to this vitally important campaign.”