For Per Arne Steiring, a 63-year-old resident of Fauske, the distance between a medical death sentence and a renewed lease on life was measured in a single, expensive genetic test. After battling pancreatic cancer for years—a disease often described as one of the most lethal forms of the illness—Steiring is now living a life he once feared was impossible.
The journey began in the summer of 2019, during a vacation marked by persistent abdominal pain and fever. Despite multiple doctor visits, the cause remained elusive. Steiring recalls being prescribed six different types of laxatives, none of which addressed the underlying issue. It was only after his sister, Randi Steiring—a cancer nurse at St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim—intervened and demanded a modern physician that the truth emerged.
The diagnosis was malignant pancreatic cancer. Steiring describes the moment as a shock, noting that upon researching the condition, he realized the odds were overwhelmingly grim. Statistics show that pancreatic cancer is frequently detected late due to diffuse symptoms, and only about 15 percent of patients survive five years after diagnosis.
The Descent and the Struggle for Survival
In November 2019, Steiring underwent surgery at St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim, followed by a rigorous course of chemotherapy. The physical toll was devastating. He dropped from 80 kilograms to 58 kilograms and spent six months relying on a nutritional stand to survive, describing the taste of all food as “terrible.”
The recovery period coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway, which forced Steiring into isolation. He describes this period as one of the most brutal, where even the simplest daily tasks became nearly impossible. He credits his family and home care nurses for keeping him alive through that winter, later organizing a celebratory meal to thank them for their support.
By May 2020, Steiring finished his first round of chemotherapy and returned to his long-term employer, Gunvald Johansen in Bodø, where he had worked for over 20 years. However, the reprieve was short-lived. In 2021, the cancer returned, and the prognosis shifted from hope to palliative care—treatment focused on quality of life rather than a cure. Steiring describes this second blow as feeling like a “death sentence.”
A Sister’s Intuition and the Power of Genetic Testing
Whereas the medical outlook grew bleak, Randi Steiring refused to accept the inevitable. Drawing on her professional expertise as a cancer nurse, she insisted her brother undergo genetic testing at a private clinic. At the time, the test cost 70,000 NOK, a sum that was raised through a crowdfunding effort started by Steiring’s eldest daughter.
The results of the genetic test revealed that two specific medications could potentially perform for his condition. However, neither was approved for general use in Norway. Steiring notes that his doctor initially told him there was no point in applying for an exception. Randi Steiring again pushed back, seeking assistance from the National Expert Panel (Ekspertpanelet), the body responsible for advising on life-threatening illnesses.
The pressure worked. The doctor submitted the application, and Steiring was granted access to the drug Olaparib through a special exception. The medication, which cost 60,000 NOK per month, became the turning point in his battle. “Had I not had my sister and her knowledge, I would not be here today,” Steiring said.
A New Chapter: Marriage and Recovery
Amidst the uncertainty of his second bout of chemotherapy, Steiring found a different kind of hope. In March 2022, he married Neia Vassbotn Steiring. He reflects on the marriage as a testament to her love, noting that she “took a chance” on him when his future was far from guaranteed.
Shortly after the wedding, on June 29, 2022, he began the new medication. The response was positive. While the cancer is still present, it is currently held in check by a regimen of four tablets daily. Steiring undergoes check-ups every four months, and reports no significant changes since starting the treatment. He describes the ability to stop focusing on the “cancer-thought-loop” as a massive liberation.
Though the physical and emotional toll led to him being placed on disability benefits in January 2023, Steiring refused to remain idle. Within a month, he secured a position as an on-call substitute at Byggmaker Gunvald Johansen in Fauske. He also spends his time using his carpentry skills to build projects for his three grandchildren, including an activity board for his youngest grandson.
Cancer Statistics in Norway (2024)
- Nearly 39,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2024 (21,000 men and 18,000 women).
- Over 340,000 people in Norway currently have or have had cancer.
- Approximately 4 out of 10 Norwegians receive at least one cancer diagnosis before age 80.
- Due to research, 3 out of 4 cancer patients in Norway now survive, double the rate from 50 years ago.
Source: Cancer Registry (Kreftregisteret), March 2026
Steiring’s story has become a focal point for the Norwegian Cancer Society (Kreftforeningen), which has praised his openness about the disease. The organization’s fundraising efforts have focused on expanding access to genetic testing, the very tool that saved Steiring’s life.
Looking forward, Steiring continues his quarterly medical screenings to monitor the stability of his condition. He remains active in his community and his family, operating under the motto he developed as a carpenter: “We find no problems, only solutions.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult with healthcare professionals regarding cancer treatment and genetic testing.
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