Emergency Physician Faces Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis, Advocates for Change

In a shocking turn of events, Terrence May, an emergency physician, received a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer after noticing unusual symptoms. May, who has always led an active lifestyle, reported experiencing fatigue and unexplained weight loss last spring. Despite his background in medicine, he recognized that something was wrong and sought help from his family doctor. Imaging tests revealed multiple lesions in his liver and lungs, ultimately leading to his diagnosis of intrahepatic bile duct cancer, commonly known as cholangiocarcinoma.

Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the bile ducts, with over 600 cases diagnosed annually in Canada, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. The disease is often discovered at an advanced stage, leading to a dismal five-year survival rate of just nine percent. May has undergone molecular testing and various treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but unfortunately, the cancer has continued to progress. “I’ve unfortunately had to stop treatment,” he stated. “It’s a palliative diagnosis, so you focus on making as much time as you can for your friends and your family.”

May’s experience mirrors that of Andrea Katz, whose mother, Joanne Katz, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2013. After experiencing unexplained weight loss and pain, Joanne was initially treated for a severe stomach infection. Eventually, further tests confirmed the cancer, but by then, it was too late. “Initially my mom was given a year to live, and she was already at Stage 4 cancer,” Andrea recalled. Tragically, Joanne passed away just 44 days after her diagnosis at the age of 67.

Rising Cases and the Need for Awareness

As cholangiocarcinoma cases are on the rise, Dr. Arndt Vogel, an oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, highlights the challenges faced by patients. Many individuals are diagnosed at Stage 4, rendering surgical options unfeasible. “It’s a tumour with a very poor prognosis,” he noted, emphasizing that while treatment options exist, they are not always accessible in Canada. “We need to adapt faster,” he urged, referring to the need for timely approval of effective treatments.

Dr. Vogel also pointed out that younger patients and their families are increasingly affected by this disease. “It can affect patients, not in all age groups, but there is certainly a tendency to see it in younger patients.” He advocates for greater awareness and education about cholangiocarcinoma, as many patients experience late diagnoses due to a lack of understanding of the disease.

In response to his diagnosis, May has remained resilient. In June, he organized a 5K run in his hometown of Lakefield, Ontario, raising over $130,000 for cholangiocarcinoma research. While he is uncertain about the future, he remains committed to advocacy and education. “When you hear that word cholangiocarcinoma, the most important thing is to advocate for yourself,” he stated. May’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency for early diagnosis and the need for better treatment options for those affected by this challenging disease.