Stanford, California – A rising trend in lung cancer cases among young Americans, particularly of Asian descent, has caught the attention of Dr. Bryant Lin, a primary care physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. In response, he established the Center for Asian Health Research and Education in 2018 to investigate why this specific demographic is more susceptible to deadly diseases like cancer. However, earlier this year, Dr. Lin found himself on the other side of the examination table when he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, despite never smoking a cigarette.
The alarming increase in lung cancer cases among non-smokers, especially in the younger population, has sparked concern in the medical community. Dr. Lin’s own diagnosis has shed light on the challenges faced by patients who do not fit the traditional profile of a lung cancer sufferer. As a non-smoker himself, he now serves as a living case study for a new class he teaches at Stanford that focuses on cancer treatment and empathy from a patient’s perspective.
One of the key factors in Dr. Lin’s cancer diagnosis was a genetic mutation in his EGFR gene, which is more common among nonsmoker Asians compared to other racial groups. This mutation not only accelerates the growth of cancer cells but also makes the disease more aggressive and difficult to treat. Despite starting targeted therapy promptly after his diagnosis, Dr. Lin is aware of the potential challenges ahead, as cancer cells can develop resistance to treatment over time.
As Dr. Lin navigates his own cancer journey, he remains hopeful and determined to continue his advocacy work for better understanding and treatment of lung cancer in young, non-smoking patients. The insights gained from his personal experience will undoubtedly impact his approach to teaching and researching the disease, further contributing to the ongoing efforts to combat lung cancer among diverse populations.