Genetics and Health

Genetics Interview #24: Mike Slabaugh and the CDH1 Stomach Cancer Gene

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on November 9th, 2006

Several months ago, I wrote about the Bradfield family in which a mutation of the CDH1 gene was discovered which appears to increase the risk of stomach cancer. To my surprise, Mike Slabaugh, one of the Bradfield cousins, popped in to let people know that he was happy to help anyone who’s looking for more information. I’m glad to have had the chance to meet Mike in this interview for Genetics and Health.

1. What did you understand about genetics and its role in people’s health before you learned about the CDH1 gene and stomach cancer?

I knew that there were hereditary factors but did not know that genetics had come so far as to identify this particular gene and the mutation. Certainly some illness, including cancers seems to run in families. I was certainly aware of this factor.

2. When you were notified about the genetic mutation responsible for causing cancer in many of your family members, how did you feel? What was on your pros and cons list when deciding whether or not to undergo genetic testing?

The first feeling was one of relief. The fact that I could actually know the cause and then do something about it was amazing. Too many family members did not have the chance to do anything. There was no hesitation to be tested and no hesitation to have the surgery once the positive condition was known. I had already made up my mind that if positive, I would have the surgery, so the testing was just a confirmation.

3. Most of us will probably never know what it’s like to hear news with such an incredible life impact. What was it like to go through genetic counseling? Can you describe the process?

The genetic counselors I had were not keenly aware of this condition. I educated them on it and what the alternatives were, if positive. I told them from the start that I thought that I was positive and that I would have the surgery if the test was positive. They were amazed that I was upbeat and ready for it. To finally know after years of wondering if I would get this, the answer of being positive was a relief. My grandmother died from it. My mother and aunts and uncles and one cousin all died from this. The ‘yes’ answer with an answer of what to do was like a dark cloud being lifted from my shoulders that I had the burden of bearing since I was 15 years old when my mother died of this disease just eight years after her mother died of it. I always thought that I had it.

4. Would you consider getting genetic testing for other genes?

YES.

For example, there are some controversial over-the-counter genetic tests where people can get tested for certain genes that tell them whether they have a higher chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. and are then told how they can change their lifestyle to take into account their genetic predisposition.

I don’t know about the efficacy or reliability of the over the counter tests. I would certainly be tested for anything else that might be appropriate.

5. What do you think of preimplantation genetic testing to pre-select embryos that don’t have cancer genes like BRCA, implicated in breast and ovarian cancer?

This is a very difficult subject. Many moral and ethical questions abound. If there is a way to stop diseases then I think we should. However, care should be taken with regard to how much engineering and selection for the less important matters like hair and eye color, sex, and other physical characteristics as then we get into human engineering and that has already been done by God. I don’t know where the line would or should be drawn. It’s a difficult matter. Much discussion by top scientists and religious leaders should be obtained before we as a society answer that question.

Thank you, Mike, for taking the time to share your thoughts on the very important contribution your family has made to cancer research. For more about Mike Slabaugh and stomach cancer, read this Orlando Sentinel interview.

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