Peter’s peak performance is ‘summit’ special

A little over 14 years ago, Peter Czanyo’s life changed forever.

At the time, he was 47 and the proud father of two daughters: Carolina, aged 14, and eight-year-old Sofia.

Peter was a heavy smoker and lived a largely sedentary life. He didn’t feel ill. However, he visited his doctor to check a fatty lump that had appeared on his back.

That decision proved to be his lucky break.

Thanks to the sharp eye of his doctor and several follow-up tests, Peter received a diagnosis of lung cancer. Just ten days later, surgeons operated to remove the tumour. They also removed the upper lobe of his left lung, leaving him with about 60% of his original lung capacity.

Peter knows he owes his life to his family doctor’s quick action and the medical teams who carried out the tests.

The importance of early detection

Peter Czanyo is looking to climb to the summit of Aconcagua Mountain after having lung cancer surgery

Peter’s experience highlights a crucial truth about lung cancer.

Early detection saves lives. In many ways, it is the closest thing we have to a ‘magic bullet’ for the disease.

Like many patients, Peter quickly realised that his life — and his priorities — had changed completely.

In his own words, “my diagnosis was, without doubt, like a re-birth for me. My life since then has been very different.”

He decided to share his experiences and hard-won knowledge to help others.

From patient to advocate

Today, Peter serves as president of the Fundacion Pacientes de Cancer de Pulmon (FPCP), the Foundation for Lung Cancer Patients in Argentina.

The organisation forms part of the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC), an international alliance of patient advocacy groups.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is also a member of the coalition. Our Medical Director, Dr Jesme Fox, serves as its Secretary, and the Foundation supports its work worldwide.

Peter also works as an ambassador for Patient Power. This global network helps cancer patients and their families become better informed and gain access to the best possible medical care.

A new lifestyle

After surgery, Peter made major changes to his lifestyle.

He improved his diet and began exercising regularly. Running soon became a passion.

So far, he has completed two marathons: the Berlin Marathon in 2015 and the Chicago Marathon in 2016. He is now preparing to run another in the New York City Marathon.

Alongside sport, he also practises meditation.

The dream of climbing Aconcagua

My experience has taught me that patients can do more than just dream of a better life. We should not, must not, remain passive and accept our fate. What is even more difficult than overcoming cancer is overcoming the fear of it – but you can!
Peter Czanyo, lung cancer survivor

A moment eight months after surgery transformed Peter’s ambitions.

While travelling on a road trip with his sister and her brother-in-law to Mendoza, Argentina, he stopped to admire the stunning view of Aconcagua.

At 6,962 metres, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas.

At that moment, Peter decided he would climb to the summit one day. His sister strongly encouraged him to pursue this dream.

He explained, “My running, and especially my dream of climbing Aconcagua, has helped me to overcome the fear of cancer. I exchanged a nightmare – the fear of this disease – for a dream.

“My experience has taught me that patients can do more than just dream of a better life. We should not, must not, remain passive and accept our fate. What is even more difficult than overcoming cancer is overcoming the fear of it – but you can!”

The challenge continues

In 2009, Peter launched his first expedition to Aconcagua. He came remarkably close to reaching the summit.

However, he had to abandon the climb when he was only 900 metres from the top.

He recalls the moment clearly:

“Two nights when the temperature fell to 30 degrees below zero and sheer fatigue made me decide to turn back.”

Despite that setback, his dream has never faded.

On 16th February, Peter will begin another attempt to conquer the mountain. This time he will join a remarkable team. The group includes people who have overcome illness or other major life challenges through sport.

Among them are an energetic 83-year-old woman and a man who has lost both legs.

To borrow a well-known phrase: when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Living life to the fullest

Peter knows many people consider the challenge extreme.

As he says, “This mountain – it’s my dream and my madness! And the expedition is so close now.”

His daughters have given him tremendous support and motivation. Their positivity has strengthened their bond as a family, and they now share his love of sport.

Peter’s philosophy of life is simple and powerful:

“The aim of a cancer patient is to survive, but survival is not enough – you must live thoroughly. You should strive for more!”

Recently, Peter has also worked with Patient Power on a project that connects patients with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. In the project, patients share their experiences of lung cancer to help improve the overall patient journey.