While the cause of most cancers is unknown, about one in 10 cancers are caused by changes in genes that can be passed down in families.
The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is up to 52% for people with a gene mutation associated with Lynch syndrome, compared to about 4% for the general population.
These people also tend to get cancer at an earlier-than-average age. It’s estimated that less than 10% are aware of their status.
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 