Phil Shin's Healthy Cancer Comeback

Phil Shin was no different than every other fitness-crazed 40-something. As an IT Solutions Architect residing in Los Angeles, California, he had a passion for long-distance running and would do so nearly, if not, every day. He lived a normal life much like many others, all until he heard two fatal words that would change his life forever: Hepatocellular Carcinoma. According to the Mayo Clinic (n.d.), Hepatocellular Carcinoma “is the most common type of primary liver cancer”. While true, Hepatocellular Carcinoma is considered to be rare in America, generally seeing six new cases for every 100,000 people, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (Hepatocellular Carcinoma, n.d.). With this news bringing terrible and substantial changes to Phil’s life, he would not expect the vigor he would prove to have as a result of fighting this disease.

Despite enduring various procedures during Phil’s diagnosis, including a lobectomy of his liver and a liver transplant, the most crucial treatment to Phil’s recovery was his affection for running. Phil says it best, exclaiming, “I honestly do not believe I would be here today if it were not for running. Running accelerated my recovery from the major abdominal surgeries I had for my liver transplant. Thanks to my running fitness I was able to return to normal activities much faster than a typical liver transplant recipient.” While rest days were necessary as the symptoms and fatigue of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment were present, he would continue to run on days when he felt at his best, training with the goal of running marathons.

Phil and Fitz share a hug after they both ran the 2021 Boston Marathon.

In addition to marathon training, another crucial part of Phil’s recovery were his support groups, which he believes would’ve only benefitted him more if he had found them sooner. “Knowing that there are so many courageous people in this world who have overcome so much only to continue living their best lives has inspired me to keep showing up.”

Over three years since his liver transplant, Phil continues to run and overcome the physical and mental hardships that a hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis forced upon him. He is currently training to run 100-kilometer and 100-mile races this year, all to benefit various causes, such as Brave Like Gabe, the American Liver Foundation, and the Chris Klug Foundation.

Though the diagnosis brought unfathomable changes to Phil’s life, they were all overcome by the power of fitness. Phil believes prioritizing health is in everyone’s best interest because “Without your health, you cannot achieve what you’re capable of achieving. What I’ve learned through my journey is that YOU are your best advocate for your own health. Not your doctor, not your family, not your friends…YOU. Unless you take full ownership of your health by attending your annual checkups, being transparent concerning your family health history, and asking questions, nobody will do it for you.”

Photos used with permission of Phil Shin