Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including colon, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, at a young age. Genetic testing and early cancer screening are recommended for those with a family history of the condition. Regular counseling and support groups can help individuals cope with the emotional effects of the condition.
Lynch syndrome is an inherited medical condition in which those affected inherit several genes that make them much more likely to develop certain types of cancer. More commonly those who have Lynch syndrome are at higher risk of colon, endometrial and ovarian cancer and are especially prone to getting these conditions at a young age, before the age of 45. The condition, which is often diagnosed based on family history or early onset cancer plus family history, is best fought through tests that can catch the cancer early when the chance of successfully treating it remains highest.
A person gets this status by inheritance. When someone has the condition and has children, there is a 50% chance that every child will inherit the condition. What you’re actually inheriting with the condition is some genes that aren’t doing certain jobs properly in the body. Some of our genes work to correct DNA that contains errors. People with Lynch syndrome lack the ability for these “corrector” genes to function properly, which over time can lead to abnormal tissue growth and cancer.
If you develop colon, endometrial or ovarian cancer at a young age and don’t know your family history, you may have inherited this syndrome. If you know your family’s medical history, there are some guidelines that dictate when to look for the condition. These include a history in the family, especially from your mother or father, of developing cancer or tumors, which include the above and also stomach, kidney, bowel, brain and skin cancer, and especially if such a history extends to the siblings of the parents. Doctors also look for two consecutive generations of such cancer history and when the tumors developed, especially if they occurred before age 50.
When doctors know the medical history of family members and Lynch syndrome is suspected, this generally means that the condition is being treated through early cancer screening. Doctors will generally also refer you to a genetic counselor, who may order genetic testing. Even if you test positive for the condition, this is not a guarantee you will get cancer, but you do have a 60-80% chance of developing cancer in your lifetime, hence the extensive screening such as colonoscopy, ultrasounds on the ovaries and endometrial tissue tests, usually every year after age 30. A negative test, however, doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have Lynch syndrome, so with the condition strongly suspected in your family, you’ll still need more extensive cancer screening on an annual basis.
The increased potential of having Lynch syndrome can be assessed by testing for any cancers that may be developing, to look for tissue samples to be missing certain proteins. Yet even this test may not confirm the condition. Given the high rate of parental inheritance and the risk of tumors that can be fatal if left untreated, even those who test negative for the syndrome are generally followed very closely.
Many people who have Lynch syndrome are not only physically challenged, but also emotionally challenged by the risks of developing cancer. This can be a difficult thing to understand and deal with, and can be complicated by the loss of family members to some forms of cancer caused by Lynch syndrome. In addition to genetic counseling, many people benefit from regular counseling or contact with support groups to help them deal with the emotional effects of the condition.
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