After being diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer in the Philippines, it initially seemed that Peter Coray's only option was radical surgery that would result in the loss of his tongue. Seeking a second opinion, he turned to the USZ. Today, almost three years later, he is cancer-free. In his personal story as a cancer survivor, he talks about hope, trust, interdisciplinary cancer care, and how his treatment at the USZ gave him a new lease on life.
In September 2023, I was diagnosed with tongue cancer in the Philippines. The recommendation at the hospital was to operate as soon as possible and remove the tongue.
A Second Opinion as a Promising Alternative
Feeling uncertain and desperate, I turned to the experts at the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ). To my great surprise and gratitude, a tumor board meeting was immediately convened at the University Cancer Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ). Following a thorough interdisciplinary evaluation, I was given a second opinion and treatment recommendation, after which I traveled to Switzerland. In a very short amount of time, I had to arrange flights, accommodations, and visas for my wife. When we arrived in Switzerland, we were warmly welcomed by a member of the USZ International Office.
There, the staff in the radiation oncology department treated me with exceptional professionalism and compassion. From the very first day, I could feel the positive atmosphere. That confidence helped me tremendously in coping with the fears and pressures associated with the illness. The high level of professional expertise, the excellent organization, and the compassionate care strengthened my confidence at every stage of treatment.
It’s worth the fight
Combined with my own positive attitude, a lot of willpower, and the support of my family, all of this has contributed to the fact that today—almost three years later—I am cancer-free. It is with great gratitude that I can call myself a cancer survivor. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the CCCZ and to all the doctors, nurses, and staff members involved who bring hope and support to people with cancer every day. They didn’t just make it possible for me to receive treatment—they gave me a new life.
“From my own experience, I can only advise anyone who receives such a diagnosis: Don’t lose hope.”
I want to offer words of encouragement to everyone who is currently battling cancer: Even if the odds sometimes seem slim, trust your doctors, don’t give up hope, and keep fighting. Every tunnel has a light at the end of it eventually.
Cancer Three Times—Three Comebacks to Life
This was already the third time in my life that I had to fight cancer: first testicular cancer, then a carcinoma of a breast lymph node, and now a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue caused by the HPV virus. Speaking from my own experience, I can only advise anyone who receives such a diagnosis: Don’t lose hope. Analyze the situation, gather information, and act decisively. In many cases today, a cancer diagnosis does not mean the end, but rather the beginning of a new battle that can be won.
Today, I consciously and gratefully savor every single day—as if it were my last. Perhaps that is precisely why life has become more precious to me than ever before.
Head and Neck Tumor Center
The diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases of the head and neck region at the Head and Neck Tumor Center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich pose a special challenge. Due to the possible impairment of central functions such as breathing, swallowing and speaking, the top priority is not only to cure the tumor disease but also to preserve function.
