Shaunna Burke Becomes First Woman With Stage 4 Cancer to Summit 8,849-Meter Everest
Updated
Updated · TODAY · May 27
Shaunna Burke Becomes First Woman With Stage 4 Cancer to Summit 8,849-Meter Everest
3 articles · Updated · TODAY · May 27
Summary
Shaunna Burke, 50, reached Mount Everest’s summit over the weekend, becoming the first woman with Stage 4, incurable cancer to do so.
Burke said the climb was meant to show cancer patients they do not have to abandon their goals; she is documenting it in “Dying to Climb” and raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support.
Diagnosed in March 2024 with breast cancer that was later found in her liver, she underwent 4.5 months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, liver surgery, radiation and preventive ovary removal after testing positive for a BRCA2 mutation.
Exercise remained central through treatment: the University of Leeds associate professor ran 3 miles to chemo, later climbed 6,000-meter Lobuche East and completed the Everest Marathon before this ascent.
Burke, who first summited Everest in 2005, said fitness helped her climb strongly again while taking medication on the mountain; she now has scans every three months to monitor for further spread.
Is climbing Everest with terminal cancer an inspiring feat or a dangerously unrealistic expectation for patients?
Beyond Everest, what are the daily 'invisible mountains' that patients with incurable cancer must climb?
Could targeted cancer therapies enable more patients to attempt extreme endurance challenges like Everest?
First Woman with Stage IV Cancer Summits Everest: Dr. Shaunna Burke’s Historic 2026 Climb, Scientific Breakthroughs, and Global Impact
Overview
On May 23, 2026, Dr. Shaunna Burke made history by becoming the first woman with stage 4 incurable cancer to summit Mount Everest. Her achievement was more than a personal victory—it sent a powerful message of resilience and hope to people worldwide, especially those affected by cancer. Driven by unwavering commitment and a vow not to give up, Dr. Burke transformed her journey into a beacon of courage for others facing adversity. Her dedication and determination inspired countless individuals, showing that even in the face of immense challenges, extraordinary goals can be reached.