"Karyn Paringatai faced a life-altering decision when doctors informed her that she carried a mutation in the CDH1 gene, which significantly increased her risk of developing diffuse gastric cancer. This cancer is particularly aggressive and often goes undetected until it is too late for effective treatment."
"The only surefire method of prevention for diffuse gastric cancer is a complete removal of the stomach, known as total gastrectomy. This procedure is analogous to a preventive mastectomy for breast cancer, but it presents unique challenges and lifestyle changes."
Karyn Paringatai learned she had a 70 percent risk of developing diffuse gastric cancer due to a genetic mutation. This cancer is aggressive and often undetected until advanced stages. Her cousin had died from the same cancer, prompting concerns about family history. Doctors recommended a total gastrectomy as a preventive measure, similar to a mastectomy for breast cancer. Paringatai's decision to undergo surgery meant living without a stomach, altering her ability to eat and live normally.
Read at The Atlantic
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]