22 March – Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day – Worldwide – Lynch Syndrome Australia
Lynch syndrome (previously known as HNPCC) is an inherited genetic mutation. It gives people an increased chance of developing certain cancers across their lifetime, often at a younger age than the general population (i.e. before 50 years of age).
These cancers include, but are not limited to:
- Bowel cancer*
- Endometrial cancer (lining of the uterus)*
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Hepatobiliary cancer (liver/gallbladder)
- Urinary tract cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Brain cancer
- Skin (sebaceous adenoma, sebaceous epithelioma, or sebaceous carcinoma and keratoacanthoma)
- Small bowel cancer
If you have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome or are considering being tested, it is important that both you and your doctor are aware of your family’s history of these cancers. Recent studies suggest there may be an increased chance of developing breast and prostate cancer so you need to be mindful of your family’s history of these cancer types also.
For more information about the syndrome and awareness day go to:
http://www.lynchsyndrome.org.au/
If you wish to discuss Lynch Syndrome with a GP please phone us on 08 9497 1900 to book an appointment.
#lynchsyndrome
