Testimony

I, a cancer survivor, explain why it is essential to support science

I recommend relying on and trusting research and doctors: I have seen the value of this, recognising the importance of being in a health system that guarantees access to innovative treatments, which from the laboratory reach the patient's bedside

by Paola Roberta Boscolo *

8 May 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

For years I have built my life between study, work, travel and sport. I teach at a university in Milan and work on innovation in the life sciences sector. After so much dedication and perseverance, I thought I had everything under control and could finally start planning for the future. Then, in 2024, came a diagnosis that called everything into question: acute myeloid leukaemia.

To this day I still find it hard to believe, especially since I had no obvious symptoms. It is precisely at times like these that you really understand the value of science and how much the work of doctors and researchers can open up new possibilities, and new life. Despite the complexity, I consider myself very fortunate.

I will never forget that moment. Along with the fear and disbelief, I felt a very strong lucidity. I felt the urgent need to be near the people I love and to say out loud what I had perhaps kept inside for too long. Admission was immediate, but I asked for two days to organise myself and spend some time with my family. I told very few people, I told my closest colleagues, my hairdresser who helped me with a bob cut, and some friends whom I invited for an aperitif that was hard to forget. I asked them to stand by me, I felt I would need their energy and I could not imagine how much support and love I would receive.

Leaving everything behind was very difficult. But in the hospital I found a second family and new ways to relate to the world outside my bubble. It was also a space to stop, look inside myself and understand what really matters. When you find yourself stripped of everything, you talk about yourself with more sincerity and create deep bonds, even with your roommates, nurses and doctors. Relationships that I consider special today.

There is no recipe for coping with all this, and sometimes I still wonder how I managed to live through that period well. I built my own routine: an exercise bike, books, music, drawing, and long lists of everything I wanted to do once I got out. I continued to work in my little room, following students and projects remotely whenever possible. Staying active gave me a lot of strength. I did not want to give up my life: I wanted to live it, if possible, even more intensively.

I was followed by Prof. Ciceri's team at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, and in particular by Prof. Luca Vago: his work, supported by the Italian Association for Cancer Research-AIRC, focuses on leukaemia and how to prevent relapses after bone marrow transplantation, making treatments more and more effective. I started the journey in March, leading up to the transplant at the end of July 2024. Before my last hospitalisation, I was given a week of freedom: I tried to live it to the fullest, on my bike, at the beach, and in the mountains. I will never be grateful enough to those who stood by me in those moments, making such a difficult time special.

After the transplant and the resignation, the adrenaline dropped, leaving room for the uncertainties of recovery. A long, complex path, also made up of many restrictions. But that too has passed. The immunosuppression ended and, little by little, I rebuilt my habits and discovered new ones.

These past two years have overwhelmed me, but today I look at life with different eyes: more aware, more focused on what really matters, and often happier. Telling my story still stirs a lot of emotions in me, but I hope it can give courage to those who are facing similar challenges, to patients and their families. I advise people to rely on and trust research and doctors. I have seen the value of this, recognising the importance of being in a healthcare system that guarantees access to innovative treatments, which from the laboratory arrive at the patient's bedside.

The AIRC Foundation's Research Azalea is much more than a symbolic initiative: it concretely supports research and helps spread awareness. Telling people about scientific progress and promoting prevention and correct lifestyles is fundamental. On Mother's Day, Sunday 10 May, let's take to the streets together: even a simple gesture can help build a future increasingly free of cancer.

* Airc Testimonial