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.

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/06/24/capp3-low-dose-of-aspirin-can-prevent-bowel-cancer-in-people-with-lynch-syndrome/

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

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 UK – New Website

Check out their newly launched version….lots of information that you might find useful.

https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org

The diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test(FIT) for the detection of early-onset colorectal cancer: an age-stratified analysis in South West England

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a diagnostic triage tool for patients presenting with clinical features of CRC in primary care, though its performance in individuals under 50 years is not well established.

Conclusions: FIT performs excellently for patients aged 40-49; however, it may not be used optimally in patients <40 years. A more targeted strategy is needed to guide investigation in younger patients.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40847011/

Prospective Lynch syndrome database

A prospective Lynch syndrome database is important because it allows researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to collect and analyse long-term, standardised data on people with Lynch syndrome (LS).

(Using Chat GPT)

📌 In short: A prospective Lynch syndrome database is essential because it produces high-quality, unbiased evidence on cancer risks, surveillance effectiveness, and preventive strategies, directly improving patient care and shaping clinical guidelines.

Here are the key reasons why it matters, based only on reliable clinical and research perspectives:

  1. Natural history understanding
    • Prospective data (collected forward in time) helps clarify the true risks of different cancers (colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, etc.) in Lynch syndrome carriers.
    • It reduces biases compared to retrospective reports, which often overestimate risks due to selective reporting of severe cases.
  2. Better risk stratification
    • Different mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) carry different cancer risks.
    • A prospective database helps define more precise, gene-specific and even sex-specific risk estimates, which guide personalized surveillance.
  3. Evaluation of surveillance effectiveness
    • Prospective registries allow direct measurement of how colonoscopy intervals (e.g., every 1–2 years) affect cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and mortality.
    • They can test whether surveillance reduces advanced cancers, enabling evidence-based guideline updates.
  4. Assessment of preventive strategies
    • Allows evaluation of risk-reducing interventions such as aspirin (e.g., CAPP2/CAPP3 trials), prophylactic surgeries, or lifestyle modifications.
    • Can help identify who benefits most from preventive measures.
  5. Improved clinical counseling
    • Physicians and genetic counselors can give patients more reliable, individualized risk information, reducing uncertainty and supporting informed decisions.
  6. Data for health policy
    • National or international databases provide evidence for cost-effectiveness of surveillance and preventive programs.
    • This supports resource allocation and insurance coverage for Lynch syndrome management.
  7. Research opportunities
    • Creates a resource for studying modifiers of cancer risk (genetic, environmental, lifestyle).
    • Enables collaboration across centers and countries for rare cancers within LS populations.

https://plsd.eu

Bowel Cancer in Ireland: 

Patients, Bowels, Basics, and Breakthroughs
On 11th & 12th September, RSCI is holding a bowel cancer event dedicated to patients, families, and the wider community affected by this cancer. 

PVCR Chair Prof Amanda McCann is leading a session on Friday 12th September at 1:30pm on “The Importance of PPI in Research” with PhD students from ColoMARK and patient advocates from Bowel Cancer Ireland.

There will also be open conversations with doctors, researchers, and experts in fertility, sexual health, and psycho-oncology across the two days. 

You can click here or scan the QR code below to register. Any questions or concerns can be directed to EpiGastroDRG@outlook.com

You can also check out their free bowel cancer informational booklet here or through the QR code below to the right.

Putting Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer on the Map

A recent survey reveals the extent of the issue: 75% of EOCRC patients saw at least two doctors before receiving a diagnosis, and 20% saw four or more. These delays, often driven by medical bias, can be life-altering.

Gene-Specific Detection Rate of Adenomas and Advanced Adenomas in Lynch Syndrome

Colonoscopy is expected to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Lynch syndrome (LS) by detecting and removing adenomas. The existence of gene-specific differences in adenoma detection has been proposed yet remains insufficiently explored.

Conclusions

Carriers of MLH1/MSH2 pathogenic variants are at a higher risk of developing AAs compared with those with MSH6/PMS2 mutations, with MSH6 carriers exhibiting an intermediate risk profile. Advanced adenomas(AA) are an independent risk factor for post-colonoscopy CRC . LS patients with AAs should be identified as high risk and undergo enhanced colonoscopy surveillance.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001650852500650X?dgcid=author

Diagnosed with Colon Cancer: 10 Tips on How to Get The Most From Your Doctor

Be Your Own Advocate

Build your colorectal cancer treatment team: -You, of course, are the starring player.

Make sure you have an overall care coordinator.