Cancer survivor dedicates career to finding new treatments for other cancer patients [Video]

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer at 22. Imagine then going on to help save the lives of Kiwi kids with brain cancer.

That’s exactly what Dr Lisa Pilkington is doing.

She spoke with Newshub’s National Correspondent Amanda Gillies about her experience and work.

It started with a small lump in her glands. She wasn’t worried. She was, after all, 22 – young, fit and healthy.

But eventually Dr Pilkington booked in to see her doctor and had it checked out. 

An inspection revealed the lump was close to her carotid artery and nerve, and it was agreed that removing it was the best option. Again, she wasn’t overly fazed. 

But then came the call from the doctor. 

“I remember just – I know it sounds dramatic – falling to the floor. My whole world changed at that moment,” she said.

Dr Pilkington had cancer – a rare form of it in her salivary gland. 

She wasn’t prepared or ready for the devastating diagnosis. She felt too …