Did you know that one out of every 35 patients that get colon cancer, also has Lynch Syndrome. Lynch Syndrome is a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation in a mismatch repair gene in which affected individuals have a higher than normal chance of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and various other types of aggressive cancers, often at a young age.

Lynch syndrome has no gender, ethnic or cultural preference. It targets families, predisposing them to cancer at a younger than average age. Children of a Lynch syndrome parent possess a 50% risk of acquiring a mutation. During their lifetimes, those diagnosed face up to an 80% risk of contracting colon cancer and, women have up to a 60% risk of contracting endometrial cancers. An increased risk exists of contracting a myriad of other cancers. Lynch syndrome cancers are extremely aggressive and don’t have the extended “dwell time” (time tumors live and exist in the body until becoming cancerous) as other cancers, thus the reason it is very important to obtain regular surveillance testing.

LYNCH CANCERS LIFETIME RISKS
Colon Cancer – Up to 80% General Population 2%
Endometrial Cancer – Up to 60% General Population 1%
Stomach – Up to 13% General Population – 1%
Ovarian – Up to 12% General Population 1%

The only known method of accurately diagnosing Lynch syndrome is through genetic testing. If the family medical history indicates three family members, two of which are directly related to a third, and who each sustained Lynch cancers (Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Ureter Cancer, Renal Pelvic Cancer, Skin Cancer (Muir Torre) and Brain Cancer. genetic testing should be discussed with one’s physician.

Once Lynch syndrome has been diagnosed, a highly targeted screening and medical management program is essential and may be lifesaving. During routine surveillance screening, tumors may be discovered and are more easily removed or treated before becoming life threatening. To learn more about Lynch Syndrome go here: Lynch Syndrome International

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