Lynch Syndrome is an inherited condition that causes an increased risk of developing specific cancers including; colorectal, stomach, liver, brain, skin, endometrial (uterine), ovarian and prostate. This syndrome is due to an inherited gene mutation, therefore, can be detected with genetic testing when a family history of cancers indicates that this is a possibility.
Lynch Syndrome’s cancer predisposition is inherited in what is known as an autosomal dominant pattern – this means that you only need one inherited copy of the altered gene in each cell to have an increased risk of the associated cancers. Meaning, you can inherit this genetic mutation from only one parent. Elevated risks for some cancers are only inherited if the mutated gene is passed down from both parents.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and is a great time to investigate your family history to determine whether members of your family have experienced cancers diagnosed at a younger age than usual, similar cancers in multiple family members, multiple cancers on the same side of the family, a close relative with cancer in more than one site, or a known gene mutation in your family. You may use our Hereditary Cancer Quiz to determine whether you might be at risk for an inherited condition, such as Lynch Syndrome, predisposing you to cancer.
It is important to note that not everyone with the inherited genetic mutation will develop cancer. It is equally important to note that if you do have this inherited genetic predisposition, there are many proactive steps you can take to reduce or eliminate your risk of developing cancer. In the case of colorectal cancers, of the 140,000 individuals diagnosed each year, 4,200 – 7,000 of those cases are caused by Lynch Syndrome. Knowing you have a Lynch Syndrome gene mutation can help you significantly decrease your risk of developing one of these cancers.
The first step in determining whether you are a candidate for genetic testing, based on your family cancer history, is taking our Hereditary Cancer Quiz to assess your family history and your risks. Once you have completed the Quiz, if you have any “yes” answers, you need to take this information to a genetic counselor.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, but any month is the right time to take charge of your health and begin to manage any elevated cancer risks you may have inherited.
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