From Misdiagnosis to Hope: A Cancer Survivor's Story

Leah Phillips was just 43 years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an EGFR Exon-19 mutation. Despite her initial shock and a frustrating series of misdiagnoses, Leah’s determination and advocacy led to proper treatment.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion (E19del) mutations are a type of in-frame deletion that occur in the kinase domain of the EGFR receptor. They are a common activating mutation in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with increased sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). E19del mutations account for about 60% of EGFR mutations associated with lung cancer and are made up of a heterogeneous group of variants.

Leah Phillips fought back against stage IV lung and told her story

Defying the Odds: A Survivor's Story

In her cancer vlog (YouTube link), Leah recounts her journey from the first symptoms, through the relentless search for answers, to her current treatment with Tagrisso. She shares how she balances life as a mother of three, the impact of her diagnosis, and her advice on the importance of seeking second opinions and being your own advocate.

Patients reportedly beating cancer with just one tablet a day

See Also:

1. Ivermectin, a potential anticancer drug derived from an antiparasitic drug
2. Patients reportedly beating cancer with just one tablet a day | 9 News Australia
3. Non-smoking Asian women getting lung cancer at a high rate; new study seeks to determine why
• The news segment highlights the alarmingly high rates of lung cancer among Asian American women who never smoked. A Bay Area study, FANS, is investigating this health disparity. The report features individuals affected by the disease and their experiences, emphasizing the importance of early detection, advocacy, and support networks.
• In a recent study, researchers found that 57% of Asian American women diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. The FANS study will look at possible causes of lung cancer including secondhand smoke, genetics, and cultural factors.