When I found out I had a large tumor partying in my colon, the doctor said, I am 99 percent sure you have Lynch Syndrome. She asked if anyone else in my immediate family has had cancer, yes, my Dad at the age of 47 passed away from pancreatic cancer. Cancer under the age of 50 stopped her, and responded with yes, 99.9 percent sure.
Cool, what is Lynch Syndrome?
Simply, Lynch Syndrome is a condition that increases the risk of many kinds of cancer. Families with Lynch Syndrome have more instances of cancer than the average. These cancers include colon, endometrial ovary, stomach, small bowl, urinary tract, biliary tract, brain, ski, pancreas and prostate. Lynch also causes cancers to happen at a younger age than most.
How do you actually find out?
Backing up to February 11th, when the tumor was found, my doctor took a sample of the tumor to learn more about the type of tumor and then if it was genetic. The initial result came back saying it was not genetic. I had the option to stop testing at that point, but the genetic counselor encouraged me to do more genetic testing. For me, it was a no brainer to really find out. Turns out, it was genetic, to be specific MSH6 genetic.
What does MSH6 mean?
MSH6 is a repair gene that helps to protect against bowl, endometrial, ovarian, bladder and stomach cancer. You get one MSH6 gene from your mother and one from your father. If one of the genes isn’t working this is considered to be faulty, and a MSH6 mutation.
This genetic mutation can be passed on to children.
What can you do about it?
Monitoring. And listen to your body!
Annual testing with variety of specialists depending on your genetic mutation. I am currently meeting with my gynecologist annually with additional testing. Followed by the pancreatic specialists, I will start doing annual MRIs next year to check for precancerous cells. Annual colonoscopies and every other year endoscopies. And my annual tune up with my primary. I am very thankful to have a great team in Boise that is aware of Lynch and willing to explore every detail that my faulty gene has brings with it.
I highly encourage you to ask the questions, advocate for yourself if you want more testing done, and to listen to your body.
If you have questions, please let me know!
