A food lover’s decision to remove her stomach highlights difficult decisions around cancer risk

https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/hereditary-stomach-cancer-CDH1

Full article: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/12/1098550511/genetic-testing-is-it-better-not-to-know

National Public Radio reporter Sáša Woodruff shares her story of learning about her CDH1 mutation and making a decision about risk-reducing surgery. Mutations in the CDH1 gene significantly increase a person’s risk of stomach and breast cancers. Woodruff’s personal essay describes the psychological challenge of making decisions about risk-reducing surgeries and draws attention to a lesser-known mutation linked to hereditary cancer. (Posted 5/17/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider

I have a family or personal history of stomach cancer or lobular breast cancer. Should I consider genetic testing?
What is my risk of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?
What is my risk of other cancers associated with my CDH1 mutation?
What options do I have for risk reduction?
What are the benefits and downsides of risk-reducing surgeries? Of surveillance?
What risk-reducing options are best suited to my family history?

About FORCE

FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.