A genetic test saved Dennis Massimo’s life by catching cancer early, prompting the West Chester resident to start advocating for others to do the same, writes Nicole Leonard for WHYY.
Massimo learned of his diagnosis after researchers at the Penn Medicine BioBank in Philadelphia tested blood collected during his 2016 tonsillectomy. The sample had been stored for future research with his consent.
Ten years later, he received a call from a health care provider informing him that his blood had tested positive for a type of Lynch syndrome, which increases the risk of colorectal, uterine, and other cancers.
The discovery made it possible for Massimo to receive a surprising cancer diagnosis early enough to get successful treatment.
The experience has also inspired the 43-year-old to advocate for Lynch syndrome awareness and become a full-fledged supporter of the new King Center for Lynch Syndrome at Penn Medicine. The center focuses on expanding patient care, outreach, education, and research to catch the disease early and provide treatment.
“I wish more people would get that phone call and somehow get as lucky as I did to follow up with the steps,” said Massimo.
Read more about Dennis Massimo and the unexpected phone call that helped save his life in WHYY.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA.Today in March 2026.
