[Super]: What is Lynch syndrome? [Graphic]: A DNA double helix showing various mutation spots, calling out the specific variants in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM genes can cause Lynch syndrome. | Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that makes some people more likely to develop certain cancers. It’s caused by changes, called mutations, in genes that are supposed to repair DNA. These changes keep those genes from doing their job. |
[Graphic]: Shows shift from hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer to Lynch syndrome | Lynch syndrome used to be called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer but was renamed for Dr. Henry Lynch, a pioneer of cancer genetics, in 1984. |
Super: Colorectal Endometrial Ovarian (these should come in one at a time when she says each word) These can come in all at once, when she says “several other types of cancers.”
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[Graphic]: Many different bodies coming on the screen [Super]: 1,000,000 [Graphic]: A female human body outline with highlighted uterus. [Graphic]: Show a comparison chart of average woman’s risk (the average lifetime risk of endometrial cancer for American women is approximately 2.8% to 3%) and a woman with Lynch syndrome’s risk of 40%-60%. | It was once thought to be rare, but we now know that about a million Americans have Lynch syndrome. Most women have a lower than 3% chance of developing endometrial cancer, but women with Lynch syndrome can have up to a 60% lifetime risk, depending on the gene mutation. |
[Graphic]: Show woman going about her day carefree. [Graphic]: Illustrated icons for each symptom (droplet for bleeding, lower abdominal outline forpelvic pain, pair of underwear for discharge, scale for weight loss) | Lynch syndrome itself doesn’t cause noticable symptoms. But cancers that are caused as a result of it can. Endometrial cancer, for instance, could show up as unusual bleeding, pain or pressure in the pelvic area, abnormal vaginal discharge, or unexplained weight loss. |
[Graphic]: A woman giving a saliva sample. [Graphic]:
| Lynch syndrome can be diagnosed through genetic testing. The testing may be recommended if you have had an abnormal tumor screening result, an endometrial cancer diagnosis before age 50, a colorectal cancer diagnosis or more than one type of cancer. You may also want to get tested if you have a family history of Lynch syndrome or cancers related to Lynch syndrome. |
[Graphic]: A group of women sitting in the waiting room of a lab to be tested and some are empty silhouettes in chairs illustrating that they aren’t going to get tested. [Super]: Not everyone has equal access to genetic testing. [Graphic]: Show female patients in patient gowns having different procedures done, acolonoscopy, ultrasound, biopsy (per the text) | Statistics show that Black women and people from underserved communities are less likely to get genetic testing. That can lead to delayed cancer diagnosis and treatments. Lynch syndrome can be managed with more frequent screenings like colonoscopies, ultrasounds, or endometrial biopsies. This can help catch cancers early when they are in their most treatable stages. |
[Super]: Have history? Get tested. [Graphic]: A woman is out enjoying life, shopping, working out, smiling and having lunch with friends - feeling good because she’s healthy. | If you have a family history of colorectal or endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Closely monitoring the condition can go a long way in helping you stay on top of your health. |
This resource was created with support from Merck.
