https://imj.ie/reliable-and-effective-healthcare-messaging-in-a-changing-world/
Author: Lynch Syndrome Ireland
Global epidemic of Young Onset Colorectal Cancer has arrived…
Epidemiology is the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.
Restrictive diets are unnecessary for colonoscopy: Non-inferiority randomized trial
In colonoscopy, preparation is often regarded as the most burdensome part of the intervention. Traditionally, specific diets have been recommended, but the evidence to support this policy is insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the decision not to follow a restrictive diet on bowel preparation and colonoscopy outcomes.
Conclusions The liberal diet was non-inferior to the 1-day LRD, and increased tolerability. Colonoscopy performance and quality were not affected.
A non-inferiority randomised trial is a study designed to prove that a new treatment is not worse than an existing treatment by more than a pre-defined, acceptable margin.
A liberal diet isn’t about eating anything you want, but rather following a low-fiber diet for a few days beforehand, gradually transitioning to clear liquids the day before the procedure.
Advocating for a National Registry for Patients with cancer-predisposing genetic alterations
Pilot registry in St. James’s Hospital for patients with a cancer-predisposing genetic alteration called the CAmPaiGn Study and are delighted to be actively recruiting patients.
While this is an important first step, we do not believe it is enough. We are strongly advocating for a national registry, as we feel this is both deserved and urgently needed.
If you have one of these alterations, please complete our PPI survey: https://surveymonkey.com/r/PKMSGD3
Every response will help strengthen the argument that a national registry is needed, wanted, and justified .
The art of listening
Lead author Dr Leonard Berry of the University of Texas, US, argues that the art of listening is a potent tool that not only helps the patient and doctor, but also has the potential to positively affect health systems in their entirety.
Effective listening, he explains, is targeted and is about asking the right questions and showing genuine compassion and empathy.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250820000803.htm
Low-dose aspirin can prevent bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome
A little dose goes a long way.
CaPP3’s results show that taking as little as 75 to 100mg of aspirin each day can halve the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome, a heritable genetic condition that makes bowel cancer much more likely. The findings mean regulators and doctors should soon be able to recommend a specific low-dose aspirin prescription for people with Lynch syndrome, protecting many more of them from bowel cancer.
Lynch Syndrome UK Conference 2025 -Highlights
Below you’ll find short summaries of each talk, with a link to the YouTube recordings on our YouTube channel, as well as links to additional useful resources at the end.
https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org/post/lynch-syndrome-conference-2025-highlights
Universal Germline and Tumor Genomic Testing Needed to Win the War Against Cancer: Genomics Is the Diagnosis
Universal germline testing may not only transform the outlook for those with traditional hereditary cancer syndromes but also identify a wider range of associations and penetrance for germline variants.
If we are serious about winning the war against cancer, we need to have every bit of intelligence about it, both to treat cancer and to detect it early. The potential impact of the host should be considered in every patient with cancer.
Applying universal germline testing to patients with cancer routinely is one of the major opportunities that can revolutionise precision medicine practice and is needed to win the war against cancer (and possibly many other diseases).
What About the Cost?
Many arguments against testing are centered around the cost. Yet, the cost of germline testing (and next-generation sequencing in general) has markedly decreased over the past decade. Furthermore, patients get repeat routine prevention testing (mammograms, computed tomography scans for lung cancer, colonoscopies, or laboratory tests), which are quite expensive, compared with one time hereditary testing cost, which may be invaluable for the patient over an entire lifetime and informative for their family.
In addition, the cost of the test must be weighed against the cost of expensive (and possibly futile) therapy the patient will be subjected to because this genetic information was not available in a timely manner.
From smart knives to virtual reality tumours: five innovations in understanding cancer
Using virtual reality (VR) coupled with sophisticated imaging and software technologies, scientists will before long be able to step inside interactive maps of patients’ tumours, looking at them in unprecedented detail, and understand better than ever how the cells interact and behave.
And the immersive experience should also open new opportunities for scientific collaboration. Researchers and physicians anywhere in the world could meet in VR spaces to study tumours in ways that simply aren’t possible in 2D.
New Insights Into Metachronous Colorectal Cancer Risk in Lynch Syndrome
Background & Aims
Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome. The choice of extended or partial colectomy in patients with LS with primary CRC may influence the risk of metachronous CRC. This study aimed to identify factors associated with metachronous CRC risk and evaluate their potential implications for surgical decision-making.
Metachronous (CRC) is a new, separate primary cancer of the colorectum that develops after a patient has already been diagnosed with and treated for an initial CRC.
Conclusions:
This study identifies important risk factors for metachronous CRC in patients with LS, which may support personalised counseling regarding surgical strategies. The findings highlight the complexity of surgical decision-making and the need for individualised approaches. Further studies are required to refine risk stratification and evaluate long-term outcomes to optimise patient care.
https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(25)00638-X/fulltext
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 