Author: Lynch Syndrome Ireland

Life-saving NHS test helping to diagnose thousands with cancer-causing syndrome

A life-saving NHS testing programme is helping to diagnose thousands of people with a genetic condition that increases the chance of developing cancer.

The health service has begun rolling out a genetic test for Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk of certain cancers, including bowel, ovarian and pancreatic.

It is estimated that 1 in 400 people in England have Lynch syndrome (equivalent to around 175,000 people), but just 5% are aware they are living with the condition.

This cutting-edge genetic test is helping to identify thousands of people who are living with Lynch syndrome – meaning we can work with them to reduce their risk of cancer, and provide more personalised and effective treatment if they do need it.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/04/life-saving-nhs-test-helping-to-diagnose-thousands-with-cancer-causing-syndrome/

People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop multiple cancers and be diagnosed at a younger age. For example, bowel cancer is most common in those aged over 50 but in someone younger, it may be a sign of Lynch syndrome.

The NHS is now able to identify the condition through a simple blood test, which then goes through a regional genomic laboratory hub, is sequenced, and then sent back to the referring clinician.

A positive diagnosis also means doctors can improve the chances of staying cancer free with interventions like aspirin, which can reduce the risk of bowel cancer developing by up to 50 per cent, regular colonoscopies to check for changes to healthy cells and offering women preventative gynaecological surgery.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Very powerful sharing from Roberta. I think Genetic Counsellors everywhere will feel humbled that your experience was empowering & led to the correct diagnosis.

Highlights how important their role is, how families should know their cancer history & have the correct screening.

Is Colon Cancer Risk Hiding in Your Genes?

Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are at least 65 years old, but I was only 45 when doctors discovered my cancer, which they believed had been growing inside me for at least a decade. As someone who exercises regularly and maintains a healthy diet, I was shocked by my diagnosis. My doctors and I assumed that it was simply a case of bad luck.

“as many as 10% of colorectal cancer patients have an inherited gene mutation that caused their illness. I should know, because I was one of them.”

“I’ve heard people say that they don’t want to get genetic testing because there’s no way to prevent hereditary cancer, therefore it’s better not to know. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

https://www.sfgate.com/sponsoredarticles/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/is-colon-cancer-risk-hiding-in-your-genes-17816195.php

BowelScreen – The National Bowel Screening Programme

The BowelScreen programme will send an invitation to men and women aged 60 to 69 years to take part in the programme.

If you are aged between 60 to 69 years and living in Ireland, you can ring BowelScreen on Freephone 1800 45 45 55 to check your details are on the register.

A BowelScreen home test kit will be sent to you in the post with instructions about how to do the test.

If you have any concerns about your bowel health or symptoms you should contact your GP immediately.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

  • Bleeding from the back passage or blood in your poo;
  • A change in normal bowel habits;
  • A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or abdomen (more commonly on the right side);
  • A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to pass a bowel motion), even after opening your bowels;
  • Losing weight;
  • Pain in your abdomen or back passage; or
  • A lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia).

The four primary care (PC) core functions (the ‘4Cs’)

The four primary care (PC) core functions (the ‘4Cs’, ie, first contact, comprehensiveness, coordination and continuity) are essential for good quality primary healthcare and their achievement leads to lower costs, less inequality and better population health. However, their broad definitions have led to variations in their assessment, in the innovations implemented to improve these functions and ultimately in their performance.

Conclusion:

Providing clear, well-defined operational elements for these 4Cs to measure their achievement and improve the way they function, and identifying the complex network of interactions among them, should contribute to the field in a way that supports efforts at practice innovation to optimise the processes and outcomes in PC.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/primary-health-care-research-and-development/article/revisiting-the-four-core-functions-4cs-of-primary-care-operational-definitions-and-complexities/65D55DA15CCF9ADD35CB42B5C06016F0

Transforming Lynch Syndrome Limitations Into Opportunities

“I had to transform my challenges into opportunities.”

The key to focus on when we are confronted with challenges is to become focused on what is possible rather than what is not. 

https://www.curetoday.com/view/transforming-lynch-syndrome-limitations-into-opportunities

Lynch Syndrome Cancer Risk to Age 70

Individuals with Lynch syndrome are at increased risk for multiple cancer types (common ones shown here). Note: MLH1 has the highest pancreatic cancer risk, MSH2 has the highest urothelial & prostate cancer risk, & PMS2 risks are mainly CRC & EC.

What is the difference between an ileostomy and a colostomy?

Ileostomies and colostomies are both forms of ostomy surgery. Each procedure involves different parts of a person’s bowel.

Ileostomies and colostomies can both be lifesaving surgeries. If a person has any concerning bowel symptoms, they should talk with a doctor.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/iieostomy-vs-colostomy

Lynch Syndrome: Know your risk | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute


Dana-Farber’s Matt Yurgelun, MD, discusses Lynch Syndrome research and the challenges of a Lynch Syndrome diagnosis. Dana-Farber’s Lynch Syndrome Center offers genetic testing to help identify Lynch Syndrome carriers who may be at increased risk for a variety of cancers.

2023: A new start for genetic and genomic medicine in Ireland?

According to the HSE’s website, there is “room for improvement” in the medical genetics and genomics services offered in Ireland when compared to other European countries. (perhaps an understatement???)

The strategy states: “To date, Ireland has made some progress in developing its genetic and genomic services, with pockets of excellence evident throughout the country. However, to fully realise the benefits of genetics and genomics, there is an urgent need to mainstream them so that they can become an integral part of our routine care delivery.”

Strategies are very helpful in healthcare because a strategy gives you a sense of direction….

Provided for under this strategy is:

  • the creation of a new national office for genetics and genomics
  • the transition of genetics and genomics into routine care delivery
  • targeted workforce planning and development
  • ensuring Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and partnership
  • the strengthening of Ireland’s infrastructure to drive advances in this area.

On the impact of the national office, Dr Henry predicted there will be a high level of activity “in year one, and the office will drive it”. He said it will “become the engine of what happens in year two, three, four, and later”.

Also, the office will “advocate” and “compete for funding each year”.

As our understanding of disease evolves, it is very clear that genomics will inform much of the decision-making

2023: A new start for genetic and genomic medicine in Ireland?