Uterine & Colon Cancer Syndrome

Lynch Syndrome, also named hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited, autosomal dominant disorder, which causes a higher risk of many types of cancer, especially cancer of the colon, rectum, uterus and ovaries.

HNPCC: What Went Wrong

• HNPCC is a genetic disorder involving the "repair genes" that prevent DNA copying errors from occurring when human cells divide and grow. Since the abnormal genes do not prevent errors, mistakes accumulate, and some cells could become cancerous.

Types of Cancer: Men

• Men with HNPCC are susceptible to cancers of the digestive tract, liver, upper urinary tract, brain, skin, gallbladder ducts, and prostate. Colon cancer is the primary concern.

Types of Cancer: Women

• With the exception of prostate cancer, women with HNPCC are at risk for developing the same cancers as men with the disease, as well as uterine or endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.

Cancer Rate

• According to recommendations published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2006, two percent of colorectal cancer cases in the United States are related to HNPCC. The National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that people with HNPCC have an 80 percent lifetime risk of colorectal cancer, and women have a 20 to 60 percent lifetime risk of endometrial cancer.

Genetic Screening

• Adults with family histories of cancers associated with HNPCC may consider genetic screening. The Federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 protects persons from discrimination by employers or insurance companies based on their genetic profile.

Prevention

• According to the 2006 recommendations in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," individuals with HNPCC need a colonoscopy exam every one to two years starting between ages of 20 and 25. Women might consider having their uterus and ovaries removed as a preventive measure once they are done with childbearing.