Learning About Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome is a condition that is inherited, which means it runs in families. This condition makes it more likely for a person to get certain types of cancers. Colorectal cancer and endometrial (uterine) cancer are the most common ones.

Other cancers that are more likely with Lynch syndrome include:

• Ovarian (ovaries).
• Stomach.
• Small intestine.
• Pancreatic (pancreas).
• Urinary tract.
• Brain.
• Skin.
• Breast.
• Prostate.
• Bile duct.

People with Lynch syndrome may get cancer at a younger age than most people, usually before they turn age 50.

Lynch syndrome is also called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC).

Lynch syndrome is caused by changes in certain genes. These genes usually protect you from getting cancer. But when the genes are changed, this prevents them from working as they should.

If someone in your family has Lynch syndrome, you might have it too. You are more likely to have Lynch syndrome if a parent, a sibling, or a child has it (a first-degree relative).

Lynch syndrome usually does not cause symptoms. But the cancers that are linked to it can cause them. For example, you could have symptoms of colorectal or endometrial cancer.

The symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in stools or very dark stools. A change in your bowel movements is also a symptom. So is belly or rectal pain. But these symptoms do not usually happen until after the cancer has started to spread.

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is bleeding from the vagina that is not normal or expected. Other symptoms include pain in the pelvic area, a pelvic lump, and weight loss. But these symptoms happen when the cancer is more advanced.

Your doctor will use a genetic test to diagnose Lynch syndrome. This test can tell if you carry any of the known gene changes for the syndrome.

You may have genetic testing if you have been diagnosed with cancer that is linked to Lynch syndrome. You may also have genetic testing if your family history puts you at a higher risk for it. To find out if you should be tested, your doctor will ask questions about your family history of cancer.

The results of genetic testing can affect your life. It's a good idea to talk to a genetic counselor before you decide to be tested. They can tell you about the pros and cons of testing. But getting tested will be your choice.

There is no treatment that can cure Lynch syndrome. Treatment focuses on preventing and managing the cancers that are linked to it.

If you have Lynch syndrome, or if it runs in your family, your doctor may recommend:

• Starting cancer screening tests at a younger age and having them more often. This can help find cancer early when it is easier to treat.
• Making healthy choices to lower your risk of cancer. Staying at a weight that's healthy for you, eating healthy foods, and being active every day can help. So can limiting alcohol and not smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco or nicotine products.
• Having surgery to help prevent certain cancers.
• Taking certain medicines to lower the risk of some cancers. These may include aspirin or hormonal birth control.