Experience of losing a child in utero. Undergoing genetic tests for the cause revealed an uncommon cancer diagnosis for the mother.
Hey There!
Going to dive into a fascinating real-life story that might just save your life, if you pay attention. It's the tale of Sidney Raskind, a content creator who went from posting "life hacks" to battling a rare stomach cancer.
Sidney, better known online as Sidney Raz, was cruising along life's high-speed lane when a series of unexpected events hit the brakes. Last year, his wife was expecting their second child, but a scan at around 26 weeks revealed something devastating - their baby was developing without a brain due to a genetic condition called holoprosencephaly.
Determined to find answers, the couple sent DNA samples off to a laboratory, hoping for some resolution. They didn't get any in regards to the baby, but did discover she had an unusual gene mutation, a deletion of the protein-coding gene CTNNA1. Coincidentally, Sidney had the same mutation!
Fun Fact: CTNNA1 has, in recent years, been linked to a rare, hereditary form of stomach cancer.
Fast forward a few days, and Sidney has joined the unfortunate ranks of nearly 969,000 people worldwide diagnosed with stomach cancer each year. Less than one percent of these cases are inherited. But you know what's even more unfortunate? Most patients with this type of cancer aren't so lucky to find it early enough to fight it off.
But Sidney's early diagnosis has given him an optimistic outlook - he's expecting to undergo surgery to have his stomach removed in July!
Now, don't get me wrong, most cancers aren't passed down from parents to children. statistically, only around 12% of cancers are linked to gene changes that run in families. Despite this, the risk of cancer being caused by a genetic predisposition is higher at the age of 30 than it is for those over the age of 60.
Genetic tests for these high-risk gene mutations can be life-altering. Identifying inherited, cancer-causing gene changes can lead to everything from frequent screenings to surgeries to prevent the disease from taking hold. But the challenge is offering these tests to the right people at the right time. Simply testing everyone's genetic code is more likely to create chaos than help.
On a Side Note: There's a long list of cancers that can be inherited, including those affecting the uterus, intestines, pancreas, skin, and prostate.
Now, let's switch gears a bit. In a bid to improve early detection and diagnosis of these family-specific cancers, the European Union is funding research to make genetic tests more accessible and affordable. Long story short, they're working towards identifying which groups would benefit most from these tests, to help avoid needless over-testing.
Here in the US, Sidney is now using his platform to advocate for genetic testing, in between his usual content on life and fatherhood. Listen, I ain't gonna sugarcoat it - genetic testing ain't a walk in the park. There's emotional turmoil, costs, and data interpretation challenges. But if it can help folks like Sidney beat the odds and keep living their life to the fullest, it's worth it, don't you think?
- Sidney Raz, a former "life hacks" content creator, is currently battling a rare stomach cancer due to a gene mutation.
- Holoprosencephaly, a genetic condition detected in Sidney's wife's 26-week scan, caused their unborn child to develop without a brain.3.ctnna1, a protein-coding gene, has recently been linked to a rare, hereditary form of stomach cancer.
- Around 969,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, and only a tiny fraction of these cases are inherited.
- Sidney, who discovered he also had the same unusual gene mutation, is expected to undergo surgery to have his stomach removed in July.
- Approximately 12% of cancers are linked to gene changes that run in families, although this risk increases at the age of 30.
- Genetic tests for high-risk gene mutations can lead to frequent screenings, surgeries, or other preventative measures to stop the disease from developing.
- Making genetic tests more accessible and affordable is a focus of research in the European Union, with the goal of identifying which groups would benefit most from these tests.
- In the United States, genetic testing advocacy is being pursued by people like Sidney Raz, who are trying to improve early diagnosis and detection of family-specific cancers.
- Despite the potential emotional turmoil, costs, and data interpretation challenges, genetic testing can be a valuable tool in fighting cancer.
- Chronic diseases, like cancer, can have significant implications for an individual's health, workplace-wellness, and overall quality of life.
- In addition to cancers, inherited medical conditions can include respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, skin conditions, eye health problems, hearing issues, autoimmune disorders, mental health challenges, and sexual health concerns.
- Given the potential implications for mens-health, womens-health, cardiovascular health, and skin care, as well as parenting, access to therapies and treatments, and the growing interest in medicare and CBD, Sidney's story serves as a reminder of the importance of genetic testing and the role it plays in our overall health and wellness.
