Two individuals in the Netherlands are living life without stomachs after a diagnosis of an extremely rare genetic condition led to their removal. Gert-Jan de Wit, 32, and Tanya Bisseling underwent the surgery due to a heightened risk of stomach cancer, a story initially reported by De Telegraaf on February 23, 2026.
The pair both carry a rare mutation in the CDH1 gene, which significantly increases their susceptibility to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, and also raises the risk of lobular breast cancer in women. Preventative removal of the stomach, known as a gastrectomy, was determined to be the best course of action to avoid aggressive tumors.
Following the surgery, both de Wit and Bisseling had to relearn how to eat and have since adapted to long-term changes in their diets and ongoing medical monitoring. “Moest opnieuw leren eten,” – meaning “Had to learn to eat again” – describes the challenging process of adjusting to life without a stomach.
The CDH1 gene’s link to both stomach and breast cancer highlights the importance of genetic screening and counseling for family members. Early involvement of specialists is crucial for assessing individual risks and discussing potential treatment options. This case underscores the impact of genetic predispositions to cancer and the difficult decisions patients and their doctors sometimes face.
The preventative gastrectomy is sometimes advised by physicians to prevent death from aggressive tumors.
