Be Strong Hearted ®
By Johanna Chelcun, PA-C
Did you know…
…that Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) is an inherited cancer syndrome that leads to an increased risk for diffuse gastric cancer (67-83% risk by age 80) and lobular breast cancer (20-40% risk for women by age 80.)
…that the American Cancer Society estimated that one million people worldwide would be diagnosed with stomach cancer in the year 2007, and that 800,000 would die from the disease? Read the rest of this entry »
Current Research Projects of the Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Research Team at the British Columbia Cancer Agency.
David Huntsman, Pardeep Kaurah
Over the last 10 years, we have learnt a lot about hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). However, there are still many critical knowledge deficits which need to be addressed to improve the cancer control of families with known CDH1 mutations and to inform the care of families with strong histories of gastric cancer of whom known mutations have been identified.
Our research team is both collaborating with other members of the International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium (IGCLC) to develop a more accurate understanding of the cancer risks associated with carrying CDH1 mutations, and is performing research locally that should help our global research community move forward.
Studies we are actively engaged in include: Read the rest of this entry »
View an uplifting and interesting Close Up news broadcast about Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) on TV New Zealand featuring Parry Guilford, the scientist who first identified HDGC and the CDH1 gene mutation that causes HDGC. His discovery, only eleven years new, has been saving so many lives, including in the Chelcun family and many other families worldwide. The Close Up includes interviews with the original families in whom HDGC was first identified. We must find ways to fund the promising research that will ultimately lead to the prevention of this particular cancer as well as other related cancers.
Be sure to visit HDGC…Now What?
You, or someone close to you has been diagnosed with HDGC. Now what? The search is on, for information, for support, for encouragement.
We are committed to developing this network, a valuable source of credible and useful information. Join our community of support for all of those touched by HDGC or other types of stomach cancer. Your participation can be as little or as much as you desire. You decide. Read the rest of this entry »
“You have doctors you’ve never met, but who are absolutely essential to your care. Pathologists are in the background, but are key to diagnosis, treatment and care,” says Kent B. Lewandrowski, MD, associate chief of Pathology and director of clinical services for the Pathology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital.
I personally discovered the critical nature of pathology in the treatment of HDGC while researching the topic after testing positive for the CDH1 gene mutation that causes HDGC. While interviewing a prospective surgeon I asked “Who will be analyzing my stomach, who is the pathologist?” This is how I first learned of Dr. Gregory Lauwers, his expertise with gastric cancer, his experience with HDGC patients, and more about the extensive and time consuming analysis that would be performed on my stomach following its removal. I met with Dr. Lauwers, approximately sixteen days following my surgery, to get my pathology results first hand and learn more about the process. My stomach remains, in Boston, in wax blocks, in 170 sections, in a drawer, for all of eternity. Read more about the importance of surgical pathology.
Pay Attention to the Pathologist Behind the Curtain, by Cathryn Delude
Massachusetts General Hospital, Cancer Center
Synergy, Winter/Spring 2009
Related Article: Choosing a Surgeon: Ten questions to ask
When the hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy screens on June 14 (in New Zealand), there will be a ripple of pride through the corridors of Otago University’s Cancer Genetics Laboratory. That’s because one of the main storylines in the episode - a family grappling with the terrible consequences of inherited stomach cancer - has its origins in a 1998 discovery by researchers at the laboratory, let my Oamaru-raised geneticist Parry Guilford.
Read the Interview with Parry Guilford, by Rebecca Macfie
Support one another through individual connections and group participation. Create your own journal/blog to share your story with others.
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Karen Chelcun Schreiber wrote a new blog post: Scientific Advisory Board 3 days, 21 hours ago
Scientific Advisory Board members are highly accomplished professionals with medical and/or research background, who provide expert and comprehensive perspectives as well as guidance to No Stomach For Cancer, Inc. with regard to technical, medical, and research related topics. The Board provides knowledge and support that are critical in furthering our Mission.Daniel C. Chung, MD
Massachusetts General [...]
Nina healey wrote on the wire of the group Lobular Breast Cancer 1 week, 1 day ago
I am new to this group. I am actually a cousin of Lorraine Ennis. In March 2007, I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in my right breast. I had a mastectomy in March, during which the dr checked the lymph nodes by removing the main node and checked it while I [...]
Nina healey joined the group Lobular Breast Cancer 1 week, 1 day ago
Gretchen Borzi wrote on the wire of the group Lobular Breast Cancer 3 weeks, 2 days ago
Lorraine and Cathy, you’re stories are inspiring. I wish you both the best of luck with your surgeries and recovery. Right now, it’s hard for me to imagine being in your shoes, but I will most likely be there at some point. Thanks for sharing.
