Evan Rees, a 21-year-old athletic therapy student, is back to lifting weights and playing beer league hockey after an intense battle with a rare form of cancer. In June 2024, he underwent surgery at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) to remove part of his lung. “I still can’t believe I had cancer,” says Rees, reflecting on his journey.
His health challenges began in early 2023 with repeated bouts of pneumonia and persistent back pain. A CT scan in January revealed a tumour in his left lung, leading to a transfer to HSC for further evaluation.
At HSC’s donor-funded Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit, Rees received a biopsy and an endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS). “The clinic was so fast and organized. I never had time to panic,” he recalls. The diagnosis came in February: a rare cancer similar to clear cell salivary gland carcinoma, located on his bronchus. Thankfully, the cancer was contained and had not spread.
Rees underwent three rounds of chemotherapy before surgery. Dr. Larry Tan successfully removed the lower lobe of his lung and reattached the upper portion. Rees is grateful for HSC staff and for their support, especially during his 12-day hospital stay. “The nurses walked with me every step of the way, making sure I felt cared for.”
In August, Rees received a clean bill of health and remains grateful for HSC staff and the high-quality care they provide.
Evan Rees, a 21-year-old athletic therapy student, is back to lifting weights and playing beer league hockey after an intense battle with a rare form of cancer. In June 2024, he underwent surgery at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) to remove part of his lung. “I still can’t believe I had cancer,” says Rees, reflecting on his journey.
His health challenges began in early 2023 with repeated bouts of pneumonia and persistent back pain. A CT scan in January revealed a tumour in his left lung, leading to a transfer to HSC for further evaluation.
At HSC’s donor-funded Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit, Rees received a biopsy and an endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS). “The clinic was so fast and organized. I never had time to panic,” he recalls. The diagnosis came in February: a rare cancer similar to clear cell salivary gland carcinoma, located on his bronchus. Thankfully, the cancer was contained and had not spread.
Rees underwent three rounds of chemotherapy before surgery. Dr. Larry Tan successfully removed the lower lobe of his lung and reattached the upper portion. Rees is grateful for HSC staff and for their support, especially during his 12-day hospital stay. “The nurses walked with me every step of the way, making sure I felt cared for.”
In August, Rees received a clean bill of health and remains grateful for HSC staff and the high-quality care they provide.
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