Lynch Syndrome

Joseph's brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 38 and is now battling a recurrence after 5 years of being cancer free. As they looked closely at the family history, there were several other aunts and uncles who had also had cancer in the stomach, pancreas or bladder. Joseph asked me about genetic testing for himself and his children.  He wondered if these cancers were random events or related to a genetic disorder.

Have you ever noticed that some families seem to have more people with cancer than other families?

Researchers have found that certain cancers of the colon, rectum, kidney, stomach, pancreas, bladder, uterus, ovaries and breasts are linked to a mutation in 5 different genes known as the mismatched repair, or the MMR gene.  Known as Lynch Syndrome, this cluster of gastrointestinal, breast and ovarian cancers is often overlooked if we don't ask about family history.

People can now be tested for these genetic mutations so that we can provide better surveillance and hopefully catch things early when treatments are more effective.  The best way to approach this is to ask for a genetic consult  so that you can map out your family tree and determine which tests if any you need.

I recently covered this issue on CBS.

Nurse Barb Talks About a Great New Health App for Every Woman Who Manages Their Families Health

Comments

[Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms]

Doctors generally treat cancer of the gallbladder that has come back (recurred) in the same way as stage 3 or 4 gallbladder cancer. But your treatment will depend on whether you have had radiotherapy or surgery in the past. And on where your cancer has come back. There is a maximum amount of radiotherapy that you can have to any one part of your body. If you have too much it can cause damage to healthy body tissues. So if you have had radiotherapy before, you may not be able to have it again.

[www.creativebioscience.com]

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