The Gastric Cancer Registry was founded at Stanford 10 years ago. I had not heard about this registry until recently and certainly would have joined it earlier if I’d known. I believe that further illustrates how little is known about this disease that no doctor, social worker or geneticist has ever mentioned it and I have seen many and travelled far to see even more.
The Registry has collected samples from 528 gastric cancer patients and family members and is on its way to being the largest registry devoted to the disease. It is the only comprehensive Gastric Cancer registry in the U.S. While that is exciting and as a gastric cancer survivor I’ll certainly do everything I can to raise awareness, it’s staggering and saddens me to think that the LARGEST registry dedicated to gastric (stomach) cancer has ONLY 528 samples!
I was recently asked, and have completed the steps, to provide my DNA and give Stanford access to my specific cancer cells for the registry. While I know the research will not help me specifically, the idea that perhaps I can be, in a very small way, a part of the process to understand and then eradicate this disease is humbling.
I started this site because even though I have felt alone in how this disease impacts the people it directly afflicts, I know there are others out there -- people who have unwillingly become professional patients, family members who now carry the title “caregiver”, people with a myriad of chronic illnesses, some as yet diagnosed, that are going through similar things or have at some time. I believe we can learn from each other about Gastric Cancer and so much more.
For gastric cancer patients specifically and their family members, this Stanford registry is another way for us to learn even more and contribute a wealth of information.
For scientists to be able to continue to conduct breakthrough research, more than money is needed. More samples will lead to more knowledge. I’d like to encourage anyone with gastric cancer to sign up with the registry. Family members can sign up on behalf of their loved ones as well. There is still so much to learn, and each of us who have fought this disease may have a piece to unlock the mysteries around it!
Comments