From the U.S. to China for Cancer Treatment: A Patient’s Experience in Shenzhen
A Hong Kong-born patient who had lived in the United States for more than 30 years travelled to Shenzhen after being diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction cancer. His experience offers an interesting real-world example of why some overseas patients are considering China for complex medical care.
Five Months to Reach a Diagnosis in the United States
Mr. Lam (pseudonym), a Hong Kong native in his early 60s, had been living and working in the United States for more than three decades.
In September 2025, he began experiencing frequent discomfort around his sternum and stomach. He sought medical attention locally in the United States, where his symptoms were initially considered to be related to a heart condition.
However, his condition did not improve following treatment.
According to the patient’s account published by HKU-SZH, long appointment waiting times made further investigation difficult, particularly around the year-end holiday period.
It was not until February 2026, approximately five months after his symptoms began, that he was diagnosed at a U.S. hospital with a gastroesophageal junction tumor.
His clinical diagnosis was reported as:
Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, cT3N2M0, Stage III.
The diagnosis was especially concerning because he also had a history of asthma and coronary heart disease requiring long-term medication, as well as previous bilateral inguinal hernia repair and appendectomy.
After an assessment at a hospital in Los Angeles, he and his family were reportedly told that the complexity of his condition made it difficult to establish a suitable comprehensive treatment plan at that time.
He therefore began considering other options.
Travelling to Shenzhen for Another Treatment Option
Several members of Mr. Lam’s family had previously worked in healthcare in Hong Kong.
They suggested that he consider seeking another opinion at The University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), particularly because of its multidisciplinary approach to complex cancer cases.
In March 2026, Mr. Lam travelled from the United States to Shenzhen and visited the hospital’s International Medical Center.
One of the most notable parts of his experience was the speed of the diagnostic process.
According to the hospital, within approximately three days, he completed the necessary examinations, including:
Endoscopic examinations
Medical imaging
Pathology review
Further assessment of the tumor
Gastroscopy identified an ulcerative lesion in the lower esophagus involving the gastric cardia. Endoscopic ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen provided further information about the extent of the tumor.
Small solid nodules were also identified in both lungs, with the largest in the right lower lobe considered potentially consistent with an inflammatory granuloma or intrapulmonary lymph node.
A Multidisciplinary Team Reviewed His Case
Rather than having his treatment determined by a single physician, Mr. Lam’s case was discussed by specialists from multiple disciplines.
The multidisciplinary team included clinicians from HKU-SZH as well as specialists affiliated with The University of Hong Kong and Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong.
Following the multidisciplinary review, the team recommended systemic treatment first, followed by reassessment for possible surgery.
The treatment strategy included FLOT chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy.
The hospital reported that the tumor subsequently showed significant regression and was evaluated as achieving partial response (PR).
At the time of the hospital’s report, Mr. Lam was in good general condition and continuing treatment.
For him, one of the biggest differences was the multidisciplinary model of care.
Having lived in the United States for more than 30 years, he said he had not expected to arrive at a hospital and have an entire medical team involved in evaluating his condition rather than relying on the opinion of only one doctor.
More Than the Treatment Itself
Mr. Lam also highlighted his experience with the hospital staff.
During treatment, doctors and nurses regularly encouraged him and reassured him throughout the process.
He described the medical staff as both professional and friendly and said the support he received gave him greater confidence to continue treatment.
His son later travelled from the United States to visit him in Shenzhen around his 63rd birthday.
By then, Mr. Lam said that having specialists compare the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options had helped him better understand his choices and feel more optimistic about the future.
He eventually began sharing his Shenzhen medical experience with friends and relatives in Hong Kong and overseas.
His plans after completing treatment are much less medical: once recovered, he hopes to travel around China, including spending more time exploring Shenzhen and visiting destinations such as Suzhou and Hangzhou.
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What Can International Patients Learn From This Case?
Mr. Lam’s experience does not mean that every cancer patient will receive the same treatment, experience the same timeline, or achieve the same clinical outcome in China.
Cancer treatment is highly individual and depends on factors including the cancer type and stage, pathology, previous treatment, underlying medical conditions, and the assessment of the treating specialists.
However, his experience illustrates several reasons international patients may consider seeking medical care in China.
1. Access to multidisciplinary medical teams
For complex conditions such as cancer, major Chinese hospitals increasingly use multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultations involving specialists from different departments.
This can be particularly valuable when surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy or other treatments need to be considered together.
2. Potentially faster diagnostic coordination
One notable aspect of this particular case was the completion of multiple examinations and reviews within approximately three days after arriving at the hospital.
Actual waiting times vary significantly by hospital, department and individual case, so international patients should confirm arrangements before travelling.
3. International medical services are available
Some major hospitals in cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing have international medical departments designed to accommodate overseas patients.
However, navigating hospital selection, appointments, medical records, language differences and travel arrangements can still be challenging for someone unfamiliar with China’s healthcare system.
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Considering Medical Treatment in China?
If you are considering travelling to China for medical treatment, China MedCare can help you navigate the process.
We are an independent medical concierge service. We are not a hospital and do not provide medical diagnosis or treatment.
Our services can include hospital and specialist selection, appointment coordination, travel planning and one-to-one assistance during your medical journey in China.
You can start with our Hospital Selection & Appointment Service if you only need assistance finding an appropriate hospital and arranging an appointment.
For patients who want more comprehensive assistance after arriving in China, our Full Medical Concierge Service provides personal support throughout the medical journey.
Every patient’s medical situation is different. Treatment recommendations, eligibility, costs and expected outcomes must ultimately be determined by the treating hospital and qualified medical professionals.
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Adapted and independently summarized from a patient story published by The University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH). China MedCare was not involved in the patient’s care, diagnosis or treatment.
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