Let’s Talk Hereditary Cancer: Understanding Lynch Syndrome

Each year, Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the thousands of families affected by inherited cancer conditions. It’s a time to raise awareness, share stories, and empower people with knowledge that can save lives.

At Lynch Syndrome UK, we’re using this week to highlight Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited cause of colorectal and endometrial (womb) cancer. It affects 1 in 279 people, yet most remain undiagnosed.

What is Lynch syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes. These genes normally act like a “spell-check” for our DNA, repairing everyday errors that occur when cells divide. When they don’t work properly, faults build up, and cancer risk increases.

The impact isn’t limited to bowel and womb cancer. Lynch syndrome also raises the risk of ovarian, stomach, urinary tract, and several other cancers. For families, this can mean a pattern of cancers across generations, often at younger ages than expected.

Why awareness matters

🧬 Early diagnosis saves lives. People who know they carry Lynch syndrome can benefit from regular colonoscopies, gynaecological screening, and risk-reducing surgery. These measures can prevent cancer entirely or catch it at its earliest, most treatable stage.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families deserve answers. Lynch syndrome is inherited. If one person in a family has it, close relatives may too. Genetic testing not only provides clarity, but it can protect children, siblings, and future generations.

💚 Patients deserve support. Living with Lynch syndrome is more than a medical issue. It involves lifelong screening, decisions about family planning, and emotional challenges. Support groups and patient organisations like Lynch Syndrome UK ensure no one faces these challenges alone.

The power of lived experience

Behind every statistic is a person, a parent navigating difficult choices, a young adult starting preventative care, or a survivor sharing their story to inspire others. At Lynch Syndrome UK, our trustees and volunteers are patients and family members themselves. We know how isolating this journey can feel, and we also know how powerful community, advocacy, and research can be in changing outcomes. By raising awareness, we aim to shift the narrative: from late-stage diagnoses and uncertainty to early prevention, informed decisions, and hope for the future.

What you can do today

✅ Share your family health history: Talk with relatives about cancer diagnoses and ages at diagnosis. Patterns matter.

✅ Speak with your GP: If you have a strong family history of cancer, ask about a referral for genetic testing.

✅ Learn more about Lynch: Visit our dedicated page: About Lynch Syndrome

✅ Support our mission: By amplifying patient voices and pushing for earlier diagnosis, you can help to save lives.

As Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week reminds us, inherited cancers don’t just affect individuals, they affect whole families. By talking openly about health history, seeking genetic testing, and supporting awareness efforts, we can protect future generations. Together, we can turn awareness into action, and action into hope.