A Personal Diagnosis Sparks Further Dedication to Colon Cancer Research
In 2012, Dr. Deming was at a turning point in his career and life. As a new faculty member at the University of Wisconsin, he was excited to lead research focused on colorectal cancer. At home, he and his wife were adjusting to life with their infant daughter and 3-year-old son.
However, discomfort he initially attributed to stress escalated into severe pelvic pain. A colonoscopy revealed the unthinkable: at just 31 years old, Deming was diagnosed with colorectal cancer—the very disease he’d dedicated his career to studying.
“As soon as I was diagnosed, I knew how I wanted to react because I had thought about it tons of times from my clinical work with patients,” Deming shared. He drew inspiration from his patients who faced similar challenges with positivity and determination. “What I learned from my patients who also went through this is that those who picked themselves up, stayed positive, and kept doing what they needed to do – they ended up being the rock for themselves and their families. They are the ones who did well,” said Deming.
Advancing Hope Through Colon Cancer Research
Throughout his treatment—which included chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—Deming balanced his role as a researcher, physician, and family man. This experience deepened his connection with his patients, as he now understood the emotional and practical complexities they faced.
“When I was first seeing patients, it was all about the science,” Deming said. “Now I also ask: how are you sleeping? What does this mean for your job? Your family?”
Deming’s personal journey reinforced the importance of research funding in offering hope. “I learned how much research offers hope to patients and how powerful that hope is,” he explained. The V Scholar Grant he received in 2015 was pivotal in advancing his work, laying the foundation for therapeutic investigations that continue to drive progress in colon cancer research today.
Dr. Deming’s journey has not been without setbacks. In 2022, he faced a recurrence of cancer—an event occurring in fewer than 1% of patients beyond the 5-year cancer-free mark. Six months of intensive treatment and surgery followed, but Deming emerged cancer-free once more.
This experience highlighted advancements in radiation and surgical techniques, showcasing the tangible impact of continued colon cancer research.
The Human Side of Cancer Treatment
Through personal and professional experiences, Dr. Deming has gained a profound appreciation for the resilience of patients. He believes victory over cancer takes many forms: for some, it’s a pain-free day; for others, it’s celebrating milestones like a child’s wedding.
“I don’t wish this diagnosis on anyone, but having been through it, I feel like I can help people in a different way,” Deming shared. His story exemplifies the hope and progress driven by colon cancer research and its potential to transform lives.