Full Life Foundation for Lynch Syndrome

FAQs: Lynch Syndrome

What is Lynch Syndrome?

Lynch Syndrome is a hereditary disorder that causes affected individuals to have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers.

How does one get Lynch Syndrome?

Lynch Syndrome is caused by inherited mutations in genes that affect the DNA mismatch repair process. This process is intended to fix mistakes made when DNA is copied. The affected genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM) normally protect you from developing certain cancers, but mutations caused by Lynch Syndrome can stop them from working properly. 

Lynch Syndrome runs in families in an autosomal dominant pattern —  meaning, if one parent carries a gene mutation, there is a 50% chance that the mutation will be passed on to each child. Genetic testing is available to determine if you or a family member is a carrier for one of these genetic mutations.

What cancers are associated with Lynch Syndrome?

Those afflicted with Lynch Syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and other aggressive cancers — often at a young age (before 50). Common cancers associated with Lynch Syndrome include, but are not limited to:

• Colon

• Uterine (endometrial)

• Stomach

• Liver

• Kidney

• Brain

• Skin cancer

Lynch Syndrome causes around 4,000 colorectal cancers and 1,800 endometrial cancers per year. According to the CDC, as many as 800,000 people in the United States have Lynch Syndrome. This number can often be difficult to approximate as many cases go undetected.