A Singapore woman's brave choice to defy a genetic curse: Felicia Lee's story of hope and determination.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Felicia Lee, a 42-year-old homemaker, was diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) at just 12 years old. This rare genetic condition, affecting one in 8,000 people, triggers the growth of numerous non-cancerous polyps in the colon and rectum, significantly increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. But here's where it gets personal...
Lee's father was diagnosed with FAP, leading to a series of tests that revealed she and her younger sister, Alicia, also carried the genetic mutation. With a 50% chance of passing on this life-altering condition, Lee made a bold decision: to conceive her child through in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
"IVF offered a chance to ensure our baby wouldn't inherit FAP," Lee shared with The Straits Times. And she wasn't alone in this journey. The Ministry of Health recently approved 13 more severe genetic conditions for testing before IVF embryo implantation, bringing the total to 169 conditions.
Lee's battle with FAP began early. At 14 or 15, she noticed frequent bowel movements and consulted a senior colorectal surgeon, who discovered thousands of polyps. At 15, she underwent a prophylactic colectomy, removing part of her large intestine to prevent future cancers. She even had a temporary stoma bag, which she managed to keep hidden from her classmates.
The lack of early symptoms in colorectal cancer, the top cancer in men and second-most common in women in Singapore, underscores the importance of regular screening for those aged 50 and above. Approximately 1,200 new cases are diagnosed annually.
Lee's decision to have her daughter, Phoebe, now one, through IVF was not just about her own condition. She and her husband, Cedric Ng, an IT engineer, also considered their ages and potential challenges with natural conception. They underwent two rounds of IVF to ensure their baby would be free from the genetic burden of FAP.
Lee's pregnancy was challenging, requiring her to give birth at Singapore General Hospital, where her colorectal doctors could provide care. She delivered via caesarean section and faced intestinal obstruction complications, leading to re-admission and a week-long hospitalization.
"Our daughter is all the more precious because of the challenges we faced," Lee said. And this is the part most people miss—the emotional journey of those fighting genetic conditions. It's not just about the medical procedures; it's about the courage and hope that drive people like Lee to create a better future for their families.
Do you think genetic testing and IVF should be more accessible to those with hereditary conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a conversation about the ethical and emotional aspects of this life-changing technology.
