Ultra-rare cancer diagnosis fails to stop ‘active’ student

Health & Fitness
28 Jul 2026 • 5:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ultra-rare cancer diagnosis fails to stop ‘active’ student

  • Ben Wagenmann, a 27-year-old German student, was diagnosed with cervical paraganglioma, an ultra-rare cancer, in his carotid artery at the age of 25.
  • He first noticed a lump on his throat in April 2023, with an MRI confirming tumour up to 6cm and a PET scan revealing metastases in his spine.
  • Following a 10-hour surgery, Ben underwent treatment, including radionuclide therapy, that successfully prevented further spread, but did not shrink existing tumours.
  • Doctors believe his cancer is incurable, and his current treatment focuses on prolonging his life rather than achieving a cure.
  • For the last two years running, he did the Bern Grand Prix in May. Ben said: “I want to show the world that you can do all these things even when you’re sick.”

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