Tag: cancer

Living Beyond the Diagnosis: Lynch Syndrome Awareness

My paternal family medical history is marked with early-onset colorectal cancer. Learning about my genetic status was a life-changing experience. The discovery that my condition was hereditary meant that my family members, including my son, could also be at risk. Certified genetic counseling played a crucial role in my journey, helping me comprehend the significance of genetic testing and how to manage my health moving forward. 

If you meet one or more of the red flags below, I urge you to consult with your doctor and a certified genetic counsellor: 

  • Family member with a confirmed diagnosis of Lynch syndrome 
  • Colorectal and endometrial cancer diagnosis at any age, particularly after pathology testing shows alterations related to Lynch syndrome
  • Multiple primary cancer diagnoses
  • Several family members have had cancers related to Lynch syndrome.

Despite the challenges, living with Lynch syndrome has empowered me to make informed health choices, advocate for better healthcare, and support others, striving for a healthy, fulfilling life.

https://www.ihadcancer.com/living-beyond-the-diagnosis-lynch-syndrome-awareness

One test to detect multiple cancers – where are we now?

Most cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage have a better prognosis. Detecting and diagnosing cancer earlier can mean there are more treatment options for patients and, ultimately, can help people survive cancer and lead longer, better lives.  

What are multi-cancer tests?

As described above, an MCT is a tool that searches for multiple cancers in one sample, typically blood, urine, breath, or stool. All MCTs share some similarities, but the ways they identify cancers can be slightly different.  

MCEDs(multi-cancer earlier detection tests) could completely change what cancer screening looks like by making it possible to screen for multiple cancers with one test. MCEDs could also allow us to screen for cancers that aren’t covered by individual screening programmes, including less common cancers. That means MCEDs could be a more efficient way to find more types of cancer earlier, when they are more curable, helping people live longer, better lives. 

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/06/12/multi-cancer-tests-mced-tests-where-are-we-now/

What increases my risk of uterine (womb) cancer?

The cause of uterine (womb) cancer is unknown. But there are certain things called risk factors that can increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:

  • Age: It is more common in women after the menopause between the ages of 50 and 64.
  • Being overweight: If you are overweight, your risk of uterine cancer is increased.
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If you are taking oestrogen-only HRT for a long time after the menopause, your risk of uterine cancer is slightly increased.
  • Family history: Family history of uterine cancer in a first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter). If you have an inherited faulty gene, it raises your risk of developing uterine or bowel cancer. In a small number of families, this faulty gene can cause a condition called Lynch Syndrome .
  • No pregnancies: If you have not had children or never been pregnant, your risk of uterine cancer is increased.
  • Polycystic ovaries: If you have polycystic ovaries, your risk is increased. This is a condition where cysts grow in the ovaries.
  • Menstrual history: If your started your periods early in life and / or started your menopause later, your risk is higher. 

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/uterine-womb-cancer/what-increases-my-risk-of-uterine-womb-cancer