Papillary renal cell carcinoma is rare enough, but rarer still when it occurs in a 14-year old girl. Deb Maskens was only 14 when diagnosed, and 36 when recurrences first began in the abdomen. In all, Deb has had eight major surgeries and has participated in several clinical trials, both in Toronto and at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. As co-founder of Kidney Cancer Canada, Deb is upbeat, positive, and absolutely sure she will see the cure for this disease in her lifetime.
In addition to her volunteer work with Kidney Cancer Canada, Deb is currently Vice Chair of the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) based in the Netherlands. The goal of the IKCC is to collaborate globally with researchers, clinicians and patient advocates around the world to share best practices and strive for better solutions for kidney cancer patients and their families.
Deb lives in Guelph Ontario where she is married and has two young adult children. She is active on Twitter (@DebMaskens) and in our Discussion Forum online.