ThinkGenetic Blog

News from ThinkGenetic

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Share Your Story
  • Contact Us
Browse Diseases

Lynch Syndrome Patients Receive V.P. Biden’s Attention

November 23, 2016 Jennifer Sturges Shinn 2 Comments

lynch-syndrome-imageCancer Moonshot is a new initiative led by Vice President Joe Biden that aims to make additional therapies available to more patients, while also improving prevention and early detection. The program, which was announced during President Obama’s 2016 State of the Union address, has organized a Blue Ribbon Panel of scientists to collaborate on solutions to the initiative’s goals.

The team has released their report and is addressing a population close to the mission of ThinkGenetic; individuals with Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome impacts an estimated 1 million people in the United States.  The syndrome runs in families and is the most common cause of hereditary colon cancer. People with a genetic change in the gene associated with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk for certain types of cancer, including colorectal, uterine, ovarian, and stomach cancers.

Jewel Samadder, MD, who studies Lynch syndrome at HCI, explains that,

“If you have Lynch syndrome, inherited from either your mom or your dad, you have up to an 80% risk of developing colon cancer in your lifetime. You also have up to a 50% risk of developing uterus or endometrial cancer in your lifetime.”

Individuals like Carrie Grindle-Lyons who live with Lynch syndrome recognize the importance of early diagnosis and education on the syndrome.

Carrie was diagnosed with endometrial cancer during a follow-up visit after a stillborn birth.  Her oncologists warned her that her cancer could indicate Lynch syndrome. Carrie chose to get tested and discovered her family carried Lynch syndrome. She believes her early diagnosis and awareness saved her life,

“I just know I’m thankful for those diagnoses being found when they were, because I have a life to live.”

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome? Share your story or find answers to your questions at ThinkGenetic.com.

Filed Under: News

About Jennifer Sturges Shinn

Jennifer is a writer and occassional contributor to the ThinkGenetic blog. She helps create compelling content that can be shared with the ThinkGenetic community.

Comments

  1. Randee Murphy
    October 29, 2018

    I was diagnosed with the PMS2 Lynch syndrome last year. Ovarian uterus cervical Fallopian tube cancer which involved the peritoneal sheath. Am doing well Would like to learn more

    • Ruth O'Keefe
      October 31, 2018

      Hi, Randee and thank you for sharing about your experience. We’re very happy to hear that you’re doing well – it certainly sounds like you’ve been through a lot in the past year. You can read more about Lynch syndrome on our website at https://www.thinkgenetic.com/diseases/lynch-syndrome-i/overview/2185. There are also a number of great support groups that have wonderful information about Lynch syndrome and other hereditary colon cancer syndromes. You can find a list of these groups at http://www.hcctakesguts.org/support-organizations. Should you have any other questions, feel free to email gene@thinkgenetic.com

Join the Conversation Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search the News & Press

Connect with Us

     
  • Home
  • News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sponsor / Advertise
  • Disclaimers
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
©2019 ThinkGenetic. All Rights Reserved.ThinkGenetic does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Click here for more information.