It is also linked to a higher risk of these cancers before the age of 50.
Lynch syndrome is thought to cause about 3% of all colorectal cancers.
This article takes a closer look at what Lynch syndrome is and the genetic causes underlying it.
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Symptoms
Lynch syndrome has no visible symptoms.
It’s not a disease or a conditionit’s a trait that someone carries in their genes.
Non-polyposis means that colorectal cancer can occur when there are a small number of polyps presentor none at all.
Apolypis a growth that formsin the case of colorectal canceron the lining of the colon or rectum.
Polyps are fairly common in American adults.
They are usually harmless andbenign(noncancerous), but some polyps can become cancerous.
This is far more likely to happen in people with Lynch syndrome.
Lynch syndrome is triggered by mutations in the genes MLHL, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM.
These genes normally protect you from getting certain cancers.
But the mutations that are responsible for Lynch syndrome prevent them from doing so.
Having the gene mutations that underlie Lynch syndrome places someone at anincreased riskfor developing certain cancers.
Not everyone with Lynch syndrome develops cancer, though.
Colorectal cancer can be due to severalother factors, not just Lynch syndrome.
Whether or not a person has Lynch syndrome, a healthy lifestyle is a key part of cancer prevention.
Those who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer should be considered for Lynch syndrome testing as well.
Genetic testing will verify the results from these tests, which may or may not indicate Lynch syndrome.
The revised Amersterdam criteria and the revised Bethesda criteria are often used as guides for screening.
Therefore, there is also no cure for Lynch syndrome.
If a person with Lynch syndrome develops cancer, their treatment will be cancer-specific.
That may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and other methods.
Treatments vary depending on how severe the cancer is and the body parts that are affected.
There are prevention methods specific to colorectal cancer and uterine cancer.
Once an individual with Lynch syndrome reaches 20 years of age, regular cancer screening options are recommended.
This has been proven as somewhat effective.
But not every healthcare provider accepts it as standard practice.
Doing so reduces their risk of uterine and/or ovarian cancer.
Yearly urine tests are routine parts of physical examinations.
A healthy lifestyle is at the core of disease prevention, cancer included.
This means refraining from recreational drugs,smoking, and excessive alcohol intake.
It also means getting plenty of physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Not everyone with Lynch syndrome develops cancer.
The syndrome itself cannot be treated or prevented.
However, living a healthy lifestyle and being screened for cancer regularly can help reduce cancer risk.
As always, don’t hesitate to bring any questions or concerns about cancer prevention to your healthcare provider.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lynch syndrome.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Lynch syndrome.
American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.
