Swiss student continues life in the mountains with cancer
When Ben Wagenmann walked through a hospital radiation scanner and triggered every alarm in the corridor, it was not a malfunction. For several days after treatment, Ben is radioactive.
The 27-year-old medical AI student is living with metastatic cervical paraganglioma, a form of cancer so rare that only a handful of documented cases exist worldwide.
Ben’s original tumour developed around the fork of his carotid artery located in his neck. It measured around 5-6cm and required complex surgery lasting over ten hours to remove.
What makes Ben’s case so extraordinary is not only the tumour itself, but where the cancer has metastasised (spread). While cervical paraganglioma is typically benign (non-cancerous), Ben’s has spread throughout his spine, ribs and other bones.
Because no standard treatment exists, specialists across multiple hospitals in Europe worked on an experimental care plan. This included radionuclide treatment, a form of nuclear medicine requiring Ben to enter an underground radiation ward every six weeks.
“It genuinely felt like being in a bunker,” Ben said. “There were no door handles, and I couldn’t shower because it would turn the water radioactive.”
At one point, he triggered a hospital radiation detector simply by walking through the corridor.
“That was a surreal moment, realising you’re literally radioactive,” Ben added.
Following hospital discharge, Ben’s radiation levels were still so high that he could not be around pregnant women or small children safely.
Despite intensive treatment, regular hospital travel across Europe and the fragility of his spine, Ben has refused to give up on the hobby he loves most – skiing.
“I’ve had to adapt. I’m more careful now and I notice the pain more. But skiing is one of the most important things in my life. I don’t want cancer to take that away,” he explained.
To raise awareness about cancer in young people, Ben began sharing his journey online through short ‘life recap reels’ on Instagram. Unexpectedly, the project raised hundreds of pounds for World Cancer Research Fund.
“I didn’t complete a marathon or jump out of a plane,” Ben said. “I just shared my life online and people connected with that.”
Rachael Hutson, World Cancer Research Fund CEO, commented:
“Ben’s commitment to sharing his journey is deeply moving, and we are grateful for the way he has turned his experience into hope for others. His fundraising efforts are helping fund life-saving research, and we are truly honoured to have his support.”
Following the success of his Instagram fundraiser, Ben completed a 16-kilometre race in his native Switzerland in May 2026 while on treatment break. He is now exploring a cycle across Norway to combine his love of endurance sport with fundraising.
Now, Ben hopes his story will challenge assumptions about what living with cancer looks like.
“You’re not just your diagnosis. Cancer changes things but it doesn’t automatically end your life,” he shared.
Ben shares his journey as part of our Every Step Tells a Story campaign.
If, like Ben, you want to make a difference and support life-changing research, why not sign up to one of our exciting events and challenges.
