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[Super]: What is Lynch syndrome? [Graphic]: A DNA double helix with different mutation points indicating the specific variants in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 or EPCAM genes can cause Lynch syndrome. |
Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes some people more likely to develop certain types of cancer. It is caused by changes, called mutations, in genes that repair DNA. These changes prevent these genes from doing their job. |
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[Graphic]: Shows the transition from hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma to Lynch syndrome |
Lynch syndrome was previously called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, but was named in 1984 after Dr. Henry Lynch, a pioneer in cancer genetics. |
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Great: colorectal Endometrium Ovary (these should come in one at a time as she says each word) These can all happen at once when she talks about “several other types of cancer.”
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Lynch syndrome is most commonly associated with colon, endometrial and ovarian cancers – but it can also increase the risk of several other cancers, including pancreatic cancer. |
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[Graphic]: Many different bodies come onto the screen [Super]: 1,000,000 [Graphic]: Outline of a female human body with uterus highlighted. [Graphic]: Show a comparison table of a woman’s average risk (the average lifetime risk of uterine cancer in American women is about 2.8% to 3%) and a woman’s risk of Lynch syndrome of 40% to 60%. |
It was once considered rare, but we now know that approximately one million Americans suffer from Lynch syndrome. Most women have less than 3% chance of developing endometrial cancer, but for women with Lynch syndrome the lifetime risk can be as high as 60%, depending on the gene mutation. |
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[Graphic]: Show how a woman goes through the day carefree. [Graphic]: Illustrated icons for each symptom (drip for bleeding, outline of abdomen for pelvic pain, underwear for discharge, scale for weight loss) |
Lynch syndrome itself does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, cancers caused by it can occur. For example, endometrial cancer can manifest as unusual bleeding, pain or pressure in the pelvic area, abnormal vaginal discharge, or unexplained weight loss. |
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[Graphic]: A woman gives a saliva sample. [Graphic]:
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Lynch syndrome can be diagnosed through genetic testing. The test may be recommended if you have an abnormal tumor screening result, a diagnosis of uterine cancer before age 50, a diagnosis of colon cancer, or more than one type of cancer. You may also want to get tested if you have a family history of Lynch syndrome or cancers related to Lynch syndrome. |
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[Graphic]: A group of women sit in a laboratory waiting room to get tested, and some of them are empty silhouettes on chairs, making it clear that they are not getting tested. [Super]: Not everyone has equal access to genetic testing. [Graphic]: Show female patients in hospital gowns undergoing various procedures, colonoscopy, ultrasound, biopsy (according to text) |
Statistics show that Black women and people from underserved communities are less likely to receive genetic testing. This can lead to delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lynch syndrome can be treated with more frequent screening tests such as colonoscopies, ultrasounds, or endometrial biopsies. This can help detect cancers early when they are in their most treatable stage. |
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[Super]: have history? Get tested. [Graphic]: A woman enjoys life, goes shopping, works out, smiles and has lunch with friends – and feels good because she is healthy. |
If you have a family history of colon or endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Closely monitoring the condition can help you stay on top of your health. |
This resource was created with support from Merck.
