![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.otago.ac.nz\/tetumuresearch\/files\/2020\/08\/Parry-Guilford-Karyn-Paringatai.jpg\")
<\/a>Parry Guilford and Karyn Paringatai. Click to enlarge.<\/p><\/div>\n
M\u0101ori are three times more likely to develop stomach cancer than people of European descent. M\u0101ori are one of the few populations worldwide where diffuse-type gastric cancer is more common than intestinal-type stomach cancer. Diffuse gastric cancer is an aggresive type of cancer that grows rapidly in the cells of the stomach wall \u2013 it does not form a mass or a tumour. These cancer cells spread widely and quickly and it makes it difficult to diagnose. The reasons for this high occurrence of diffuse stomach cancer are unclear but a relatively high frequency of the inherited CDH1<\/em> variants in the M\u0101ori population is one important reason. When working properly the CDH1 <\/em>gene controls the growth of cells. But because it has mutated it allows cells to grow uncontrollably \u2013 including cancer cells. This genetic mutation is particularly prevalent amongst M\u0101ori, but many are unaware of the risk.<\/p>\n When Dr Karyn Paringatai was tested for a CDH1 <\/em>variant 11 years there were only 3-4 M\u0101ori wh\u0101nau with mutations in this particular gene. That number has since increased to between 12-15 M\u0101ori wh\u0101nau. This prompted researchers and health professionals working in this area and affected wh\u0101nau and families from all around the world to gather in W\u0101naka in March 2019 to update the previous management guidelines for HDGC published in 2015. A number of important new and revised recommendations are made in these updated guidelines, which was recently published by Lancet Oncology<\/em>. However, most pertinent to M\u0101ori was that the wh\u0101nau of any M\u0101ori person who has been diagnosed with diffuse stomach cancer be encouraged to have a genetic test, regardless of any other family history<\/u><\/strong>. Previously, the guidelines were largely based around the number of cases of this cancer in a family. 11 years ago Karyn had to fight to be tested and prove that she was at risk of HDGC, which was tough to do with her scant knowledge of her wh\u0101nau\u2019s medical history. That is no longer the case.<\/p>\n Professor Parry Guilford (Te Aho Matatu, Centre for Translation Cancer Research, University of Otago), the lead author of the article, states, \u201cIt is very uncommon in international guidelines to single out sub populations, so this is quite a significant move that we hope will reduce their risk as well as helping to reduce inequities in health for M\u0101ori.\u201d Karyn, a co-author of these guidelines, is actively encouraging M\u0101ori to be tested and to make contact with her for any advice on how to do so. It is important to do so \u2013 for the future of our whakapapa.<\/p>\n This research is linked to Karyn\u2019s Marsden funded project E kore au e ngaro \u2013 The enduring legacy of whakapapa<\/em>.<\/p>\n Click here for a link to the updated guidelines<\/a> in Lancet Oncology<\/em><\/p>\n Click on the links in the titles below to access media reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n