A decade after first falling in love with powerlifting, life and then a rare cancer kept him off the platform. After extensive surgery, radiation, and months away from the bar, he returned not just to train, but to finally compete. What started as lifting 1 to 2 hours a week became a December 2024 debut that changed everything. Now, as he prepares for his next USPA meet, he’s proving that strength isn’t just built under the bar, it’s forged through adversity, patience, and showing up anyway.
When Justin Masse was diagnosed with the rare cancer olfactory neuroblastoma, he turned to research and online support groups to understand his options. After months of symptoms that began as what seemed like nasal polyps, a pathology report confirmed the diagnosis.
Olfactory neuroblastoma is a very rare slow growing cancer arrising from the upper nasal cavity. Representing 3-6% of sinonasal tumors. Affecting about 1 in 2.5 million people annually, it commonly impacts adults aged 50-70. Symptoms include nasal obstruction, bleeding, loss of smell, and headaches.
A few weeks later, Justin traveled from Florida to Houston to begin treatment. 10+ hours with a neurosurgeon and head+neck surgeon) and radiation to his head/neck.
About 7 weeks after surgery he began 30 treatments of radiation therapy. When treatment ended in January 2024, it took several months before he started to feel okay to begin lifting again.
Justin is now happy and healthy today and is working as a software engineer in Florida with his wife and 3 kids.
Currently working with his coach Matt Sharafinski for the USPA South East Regionals Battle of the Bay in Clearwater, Florida, Justin is ready for a comeback.
“My advice to lifters who are thinking about competing… JUST DO IT. Sign up and set a goal, nobody cares about your total anyway so stop delaying thinking you need to hit XYZ numbers to be strong enough for the platform. I wish I had taken this advice a decade ago and began competing immediately instead of taking a little bit of cancer to force it.” -Justin Masse
