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An interview with Haydn Bechthold, CCTG Patient Representative

Haydn Bechthold is currently a Law Student who in 2021, at the young age of 22, received a stage 3C rectal cancer diagnosis, followed by the identification of Lynch syndrome. Because of his unique cancer journey, he has taken the admirable initiative to volunteer as a Patient Representative, supporting the Gastrointestinal Disease Site Committee at CCTG. In this sit-down interview, Haydn discusses his role as a CCTG Patient Representative and He details some of the reasons he made the decision to become a Patient Rep, his experience as both a patient and a Patient Rep, and some of the many benefits of conducting and participating in clinical trials. 

“I remember when I was first diagnosed and when anyone in my medical team brought up clinical trials, I was afraid. I was very unfamiliar with what they were, and there was a bit of a stigma. I was afraid of being a test subject. Now that I'm more familiar with the concept and I'm seeing more and more of what goes on behind the scenes, it's really the most, in my opinion, most attractive form of treatment.”

Check out the video below to hear what else Haydn has to say.