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Young Cancer Patient Develops Own At-Home Test
8 Oct
Summary
- A 35-year-old was diagnosed with colon cancer, mirroring his mother's battle.
- He was denied cancer screening due to his young age and family history.
- He developed an at-home fecal test, awaiting Health Canada approval.
Zed Dhalla was diagnosed with colon cancer at 35, a revelation that came shortly after his mother passed away from ovarian cancer. He kept his own diagnosis a secret from his mother in her final moments, wanting her to have peace.
Dhalla's wife, Marlisa Madden, described their diagnosis as a moment that brought them together as a team. Despite a family history including his father's own battle with colon cancer, Dhalla was refused screening tools at age 33 due to being considered too young.
Recent reports from the Canadian Cancer Society indicate a rise in diagnoses and deaths from colorectal cancer among younger Canadians. Some provinces have lowered the screening age to 45, while others are reviewing their guidelines. Dhalla's own persistence led to his diagnosis and spurred the development of his home-administered fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
This innovative test, designed to be self-administered and read like a rapid COVID-19 test, is currently awaiting Health Canada approval. Dhalla shares his journey on social media, often using humor. He and his father, Shabbir, who also battled colon cancer, are both in good health. The couple is expecting their first child in March.
