health
The Family That Decided to Have Their Stomachs Removed
Māori families with a mutation for aggressive gastric cancer have had their stomachs preemptively removed. How do you live without one?
TL;DR
- A CDH1 gene mutation causes a high lifetime risk of diffuse gastric cancer, especially in Māori families.
- Prophylactic total gastrectomy (stomach removal) is the only sure way to prevent this aggressive cancer.
- Living without a stomach requires significant dietary changes, such as eating small, frequent meals and extensive chewing.
- Long-term consequences can include nutrient absorption issues, bone health decline, and potential psychological impacts like increased alcohol use.
- Despite the challenges, many individuals adapt, and some women with the mutation have successful pregnancies.
- Research continues to find alternative treatments to make total gastrectomy obsolete.
- In Māori culture, the removed stomach is sometimes honored and buried, reflecting its cultural significance.