Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that can be passed down through one’s family. A person with Lynch syndrome has a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers at a younger age. When this person gets cancer, the cancer matures and spreads faster than it would for people without Lynch syndrome.
Men with Lynch syndrome are commonly at a higher risk for colorectal cancer, and women are commonly at a higher risk for endometrial (or uterine) cancer. Other cancer’s that are more common for those with Lynch syndrome include ovarian, kidney, stomach, small intestine, liver, sweat gland (sebaceous carcinoma), and other cancers.
According to the NIH, Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited form of colorectal cancer, affecting approximately 1 in 300 individuals, or over 1 million people in the United States.
The most important thing someone with Lynch syndrome can do is to know that they have Lynch syndrome – then they can take preventative steps to manage their genetic condition.
How do you know if you have Lynch syndrome? You can start by asking yourself two simple questions:
1. Have you been diagnosed with colon cancer or endometrial (uterine) cancer at an age below 50 years old?
2. Have others in your family tree been diagnosed with colorectal or endometrial (uterine) cancer at an age under 50 years old?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, then we strongly recommend you apply for Mayberry Memorial’s Project Conquer or seek advice from a licensed genetic counselor. If your genetic testing comes back positive for Lynch syndrome, you’re not alone. There are over 1 million people in America who are positive for Lynch, but 95% of them don’t know it. By simply knowing you have this condition, you are now among 5% of those with Lynch who can take preventative measures to manage your genetic condition!
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