Lynch syndrome is an inherited disease.
This means it is passed down from generation to generation, from parent to child. If one parent has Lynch syndrome and the other does not, there is a 50% chance that their child will have it.
It is among the most common hereditary cancer syndromes. It is estimated that 1 in 300 people have Lynch syndrome.
However, most people do not know they have it.
Indications that a family might have the disease is that on the same side of a family, there has been a diagnosis of cancer in multiple relatives. Besides, these cancers tend to appear at a young age.
This syndrome happens because of alterations passed down in genes that impact DNA repair, which is responsible for correcting cell DNA errors when copied. There are five genes implied in this, which are called:
- MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM.
Having Lynch Syndrome doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer, but it does significantly increase your risk. Those with Lynch Syndrome who do get cancer, often do so before the age of 50.
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 