'Life Hacks' Influencer Sidney Raz's Tragedy Leads to Potentially Life-Saving Diagnosis
The viral influencer had genetics testing after his daughter died in utero, leading to a surprising cancer diagnosis.
Sidney Raz, the content creator behind the viral "Life Hacks" video series, revealed he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer after undergoing genetic testing prompted by the tragic loss of his daughter.
PEOPLE reported that Raz and his wife sought genetic testing after their daughter was stillborn at 26 weeks due to holoprosencephaly, a rare birth defect that affects brain development. While the cause of the defect remained unclear, the testing uncovered a genetic mutation in his daughter associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Despite having no symptoms of stomach cancer, Raz scheduled an endoscopy. Of 36 biopsies taken during the test, one revealed cancer. Doctors told him the disease was caught early. If he hadn’t taken action, he likely would have returned in three years with Stage 3 or 4 cancer. He talked about the diagnosis in a video on Instagram.
As a result of the stomach cancer, Raz will undergo a gastrectomy, which is the complete removal of his stomach. The procedure involves connecting the esophagus directly to the intestines. After the procedure, the influencer will have to undertake a major lifestyle shift that includes a restricted diet, smaller meals, and long-term nutritional adjustments.
"You can just do that, and then keep going, apparently," Raz said in a video update. "It's going to be a big adjustment. But I don’t want cancer."
Raz emphasized that the only reason the cancer was found was because of the genetic screening done in the wake of his daughter’s death. "I had no symptoms," he said. "It was literally just my daughter’s DNA that saved my life."
The influencer, also the author of Life Hacks, Tips & Tricks, continues to share his journey with followers, bringing awareness to the hidden power of genetic testing—even when no warning signs are present.
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