Aurora, Colorado

Ross Kamidge, who leads the Department of Thoracic Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, has an impressive background. He’s helped countless lung cancer patients across more than 40 states and countries. Yet, in an unexpected turn, he finds himself on the other side of the equation—he’s now a lung cancer patient.

This journey began in June 2022.

“I noticed a wheezing sound while I was exercising,” Kamidge recalls. Concerned, he visited his primary care physician, suspecting he might have asthma, and requested a chest X-ray.

“After leaving the office, I got my chest X-rays and then walked back to my office in the same building. It was a bit surreal—I pulled up the X-rays on my computer,” he explained.

Following this, Kamidge was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer that isn’t linked to smoking, resulting from a specific mutation. Unfortunately, the cancer is progressing and isn’t curable, though it can be managed effectively through targeted therapy in pill form.

“Once I started the medication, I received additional treatments akin to chemotherapy, along with some radiation. I’ve incorporated all the advancements in treatments that have developed recently,” he said.

Three years post-diagnosis, Kamidge chose to go public about his condition. He wants to demonstrate that many cancers can be handled like chronic illnesses.

“I thought, perhaps I could make a positive impact by being open about my journey. I’m still working, still studying, and yes, I have cancer,” he stated.

He’s also focused on enhancing the terminology used around treatments and their side effects. “It really bothers me when a doctor implies that the treatment can handle everything. If you’re not the one experiencing it, it’s difficult to really understand,” he mentioned, smiling.