You’ve heard of the BRCA gene but have you heard of Lynch syndrome? It’s a syndrome caused by a gene mutation that can be inherited through families and is known to increase your risk or different kinds of cancer.
Thanks to research and genetic testing, specialists are increasingly able to pinpoint these types of gene mutations to give patients a head start on how to decrease their risk.
Lynch syndrome is one of 50 hereditary cancer syndromes identified and one of the most well-known besides hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (associated with the BRCA genes).
Other examples of related genetic syndromes include:
- Bloom syndrome: Increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, colon, breast, skin, lung, stomach, tonsil, larynx and esophageal cancer
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome, which increases the likelihood of colon cancer
What Is Lynch Syndrome?
This inherited condition occurs when mutations in specific genes are passed through families – different from a mutation caused by an environmental factor such as sun exposure or smoking. The genes are supposed to help fix errors in DNA replication but when mutated, the cells can increase risk for cancer.
Cancers Associated with Lynch Syndrome
People with Lynch syndrome are at increased risk for colon and rectal cancers and account for about 5-10% of colon cancer diagnoses.
Other cancers you may be at risk for:
- Endometrial
- Ovarian
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Hepatobiliary tract
- Upper urinary tract
- Brain
- Skin
What’s more, people with Lynch syndrome are more likely to have cancer at a younger age and recurring cancer diagnoses, said Heidi McKean, MD, Avera medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies. That’s why knowing you have the mutation can be so vital.
What’s more, Avera Cancer Institute cancer care specialists can pinpoint the best treatment based on a number of indications. This includes hereditary mutations such as Lynch syndrome.
Other things to note:
- People diagnosed with colon cancer who have Lynch syndrome are more likely to have cancer on the right side of the colon, which includes the cecum, ascending and transcending parts of the colon. Cancers found in this area are often diagnosed later because they typically grow within the colon and can be harder to detect early.
- Right-sided precancerous polyps often turn into cancer at a faster rate.
- Only about 10% of patients with Lynch syndrome know they have it. Those with the diagnosis are recommended to get a colonoscopy more often than the recommended 10 years.
How Do You Know if You Have Lynch Syndrome?
Since it’s an inherited mutation, you should ask close family if they were ever diagnosed with this syndrome or the cancers listed above.
“It's important to pay attention if you have a family history, and if so, get in and have a scope and consider genetic counseling,” McKean said. “This syndrome is not diagnosed as often as present, but we want to change that. It can be lifesaving to know your risk and get recommended screenings.”
Genetic testing must be done to diagnose Lynch syndrome. But the 3-2-1 rule can help pinpoint if you have the characteristics.
- Three or more relatives affected by a cancer associated with Lynch syndrome.
- Two or more generations in a row affected by the cancer.
- One or more relatives diagnosed before age 50 with cancers associated with Lynch syndrome.
How Genetic Testing Can Help
Genetic testing can help determine if you have the gene mutations associated with Lynch syndrome. Once your status is determined you can meet with a team to discuss the best screening plan, McKean said.
Though genetic testing isn’t always covered by insurance (check with your health insurance plan) you can schedule a free genetic consultation to determine if testing is recommended based on your personal history and health.
