Author: Lynch Syndrome Ireland
Cancer Risks in Lynch Syndrome
Cancer Biobank
The Cancer Biobank is a collection of clinical samples used in research to study how cancer develops and progresses and responds to treatment.
Engaging the patient voice in our work, and communicating our research to the public is vital to developing relevant research and education programmes.
The Cancer Centre works with cancer charities, patient advocacy groups, and scientific public education initiatives to acheive this.
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Promoting research and learning in the National Screening Service
Research in healthcare is important. We need to investigate novel approaches to clinical and management strategies, practices and interventions. This also applies to screening programmes. It keeps us informed of new developments and emerging trends in screening.
Research goals are:
- to promote the visibility of our four population screening programmesboth nationally and internationally
- to contribute to international screening literature
- to facilitate the use of anonymised screening data by external partners working with us.
The ins and outs and ups and downs of a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test to look at your bowel using a small camera.
Bowel preparation is required by taking a strong laxative. You will take this the day before the test to empty your bowel. The test works best when your bowel is empty and there is nothing to block the camera going into the bowel and having a look.
You will have to go to a hospital endoscopy unit to have the test.
The test is a day procedure.
The test is done by a doctor or an advanced practice nurse, called an endoscopist.
You will have a choice of doing the test with sedation or no sedation.
Generally the test can take up to 20 minutes.
Before you leave, you will be told what was seen during the test and if any samples were taken or if any polyps were removed.
(Personally I have undergone aprox 15 colonoscopies and I can say that the preparation and procedure are worthwhile particularly if you have a family predisposition to cancer or have symptoms like blood in your stool. They have probably saved my life as during one of these procedures cancer was detected…I had no symptoms).
In oncology family history should NEVER be considered “non-contributory”
Biology of Precancers and Opportunities for Cancer Interception: Lesson from Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes
In this review, they focus on two of the best characterised syndromes, Lynch syndrome (LS) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
The increasing knowledge of precancer lesions and their biology may aid novel strategies for individualized prevention. It is essential to consider the adverse effects of such interventions when weighed against quality of life, particularly considering the age at which medication may begin.
Exciting advancements are being made in the field of cancer vaccination against LS colorectal cancer, however until trials show their validity the recommended surveillance protocols must be upheld.
Extrapolating information from these hereditary colorectal cancer studies can also help pinpoint how certain sporadic cancers evolve and offer opportunities for cancer prevention.
Navigating Loss, Toxicity and Liberation: My Experience with Lynch Syndrome
….the importance of maintaining good mental health.
In these challenging times, my circle of friends became my lifeline. Their unwavering support guided me through this period of immense change.
“Your diet is not only what you eat. It’s what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, and the people you hang around. Be mindful of what you put into your body emotionally, spiritually and physically.”
The journey may be daunting, but it’s undoubtedly worth it.
NICE publishes guidance on using Faecal Immunochemical Tests in primary care
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new guidance on the use of a home test called faecal immunochemical test, known as FIT, in people with symptoms of possible bowel cancer.
Doctors have been advised by NICE to offer people with symptoms of possible bowel cancer a home test kit to help reduce waiting times for diagnostic tests, like a colonoscopy or flexi-sigmoidoscopy.
The new guidance will now see everyone with suspected bowel cancer receive a FIT kit.
Those with a positive result will be referred for a colonoscopy or other tests for further investigation. However, GPs can refer people for a colonoscopy without a positive FIT result if they think its necessary and where symptoms persist.
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/news-and-blogs/news/nice-publishes-guidance-fit-primary-care/
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 