A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

In recent years, many of my friends in their early 50s and 60s, and even their children in their 20s, have been diagnosed with cancer. In early 2023, my lifelong friend, whom I will call Mike, was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic colon cancer at the age of 52. The 5-year survival rate for colon cancer is 91% when detected at stage 1, and 72% when detected at stages II and III. However, for stage IV metastatic colon cancer, it drops drastically to 14% (7, 8, 9).

In Canada, screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50, while in the US they start at age 45 (recently lowered from 50). Mike should have had a colonoscopy at age 50, but due to limited access to regular screening during COVID-19, and thinking he was in good health, he didn't. By the time symptoms appeared and he consulted a physician, it was almost too late. He had a huge tumor at the entrance to the rectum, more than 20 spots on his liver, and tumors in his lungs. He was seen at one of the best hospitals in Canada and provided with chemotherapy. However, given the metastatic condition of his cancer, he was shuttled from doctor to doctor as it was unclear which cancer to treat first. Rectum or liver? Chemotherapy or surgery? In early 2024, he was given two years to live and told nothing more could be done for him.

Fortunately, he was referred to another excellent hospital in Canada where doctors were more willing to make decisions. Mike underwent aggressive chemotherapy to decrease his tumor mass, surgery to remove the rectum tumor and part of his liver, and was provided a liver pump to deliver treatment straight to his remaining liver and continues on a chemotherapy regimen for his colorectal cancer.

Can you imagine the physical and mental toll on Mike’s body and mind?

If anybody can beat the 14% odds, it is Mike. Mike was always in excellent physical shape and while he was never on any specific diets, he always ate healthy. Even now, with his body ravaged by a disease and weaken by surgery and continued chemotherapy, he continues to exercise every day while at the same time, addressing his metabolic health. He is committed to beating the odds, and I am confident that he can.

Could Pandecta have provide Mike with earlier signs of colorectal cancer? The outcome would have been totally different!

At Pandecta, we are determined to help people take control of their health!