For Bruce Chambers, it was a second chance at life after being screened by the B.C. Cancer Agency.
With National Cancer Survivors' Day taking place Sunday, Chambers couldn't be happier having been given a future since receiving genetic testing from the agency.
Chambers, who lives in Prince George, was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer in 2015 and it was only after he was screened for a rare gene mutation that his prognosis went from bleak to better.
"It has been an absolute life-saver and it has given me more days to look forward to than I ever thought possible before," Chambers said.
The hereditary mutation, BRCA-2 is commonly linked to breast and ovarian cancers and in Chamber's case, it was the cause of his prostate cancer.
"In January, I really started deteriorating. My prognosis was extremely poor," Chambers said.
"But the results of the testing allowed doctors to give me the medication I needed and it worked phenomenally and rapidly and made significant differences. I'm so lucky to be on this treatment program."
Chambers receives treatment through the Hereditary Cancer Program run by the B.C. Cancer Agency.
"It's very important to recognize that the treatment options available now are phenomenal and growing rapidly," Chambers said.
National Cancer Survivors' Day highlights life-saving research and care.
"This is a day to celebrate those who have survived and inspire those who have been diagnosed recently," said Sarah Roth, president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.
"It's also a time to remember the ongoing challenges of the 77,000 British Columbians living with cancer today and hope that they will join the survivorship numbers."
The B.C. Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner of the B.C. Cancer Agency.
"We hope to expand research opportunities through fundraising and in this case, be able to expand genetic testing and the criteria involved so more patients can be tested," Roth said. "With the Hereditary Cancer Program, patients like Bruce Chambers are getting a second chance and with more and more testing, we are learning that more and more genes are associated with cancer."
There are about 71 genes associated with prostate cancer. Chambers discovered that he was a carrier for the BRCA-2 gene.
"This drove his prostate cancer. Had this testing not been done, he would not have known the cause and because of this, he now has the medication he needs and he is doing so much better," Roth said.
Chambers' diagnosis has also had a great impact on his family.
"This has greatly affected my family also because my children and grandchildren are 50 per cent more at risk of having this gene," Chambers said.
Out of the 27,000 British Columbians who develop cancer each year on average, approximately 2,700 cases per year are hereditary.
"I live day to day and enjoy life as best I can and I can because of the doctors, the program and the donors," Chambers said.
"I'm fortunate. I've been given a gift."
