Posted 5 years ago
Lynch Syndrome: The Leading Cause of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
Lynch Syndrome (LS) causes an increased risk for colorectal cancer and other types of cancers. It is a heritable syndrome, meaning it can pass through family members from 
generation to generation. A change in certain genes causes Lynch Syndrome. The job of these genes is to protect you from cancers.
If there is a change in one of these genes, it causes Lynch Syndrome and increases the chance you could get colorectal cancer, as well as other cancer types. Sometimes Lynch Syndrome is referred to as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer.
The Facts
One in 440 Americans has Lynch Syndrome. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and National Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day, here are three facts you might not have known about Lynch Syndrome:
- Genes that cause LS are associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer and can also increase the risk for breast, ovarian, uterine, stomach, prostate, liver, pancreatic, bladder, and brain cancers.
- Lynch Syndrome is the leading cause of hereditary colorectal cancer, meaning colorectal cancer that runs in families.
- An accurate family health history is the best way to identify if you might have Lynch Syndrome.
Genetic Testing May Help
Lynch Syndrome can be diagnosed through genetic testing. Here at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, genetic testing can be done through your Ironwood Specialist Doctor. If you have a family history of colorectal cancers, please talk to your doctor about it. You may be referred to a Genetic Counselor who will go through your family health history in more detail and go over your genetic testing results. From there, a plan will be made to keep you safe and healthy.
Lynch Syndrome can be passed through families, so if we find a family member who has Lynch Syndrome, we recommend doing genetic testing for other blood-relatives as well. That way, we can make sure we are keeping your whole family safe.
About Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers (ICRC) is the largest multi-specialty oncology network in the Greater Metro Phoenix area. They have over 100 medical providers, a robust Integrative Services program and a dedicated clinical research department. Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers has 15 valley locations and five comprehensive cancer care centers that offer a multi-disciplinary approach for expedited personalized patient care. For more information, please visit www.ironwoodcrc.com.