Preventive medicine has been gaining increasing attention, and when it comes to cancer, knowing your family history can be crucial.
One of the most relevant examples is Lynch Syndrome, a hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, especially colon and endometrial (uterine) cancer.
What is Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes responsible for DNA repair. These mutations can be passed from parents to children, making screening essential for people with a family history of certain types of cancer.
Individuals who inherit this syndrome have a higher likelihood of developing cancers, often at a younger age than the general population. The most common cancers include:
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Colon cancer
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Endometrial (uterine) cancer
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Stomach, ovarian, ureter, and urinary tract cancers
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Small intestine and pancreatic cancers
When to Suspect Lynch Syndrome
Consider Lynch Syndrome if there is:
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Multiple cases of colorectal or uterine cancer in the family, especially before age 50;
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Cancers in more than one generation;
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Diagnosis of cancer at a young age, particularly colorectal or endometrial;
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A direct relative with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of the syndrome.
How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is performed through genetic screening, usually starting with a tumor test (immunohistochemistry or microsatellite instability testing). If the results suggest Lynch Syndrome, a germline genetic test is performed.
This process is managed by our multidisciplinary teams, including geneticists, oncologists, and gastroenterologists, who guide patients and families on risks and prevention strategies.
How to Prevent
Knowing whether you have Lynch Syndrome allows for early and effective intervention, directly impacting survival and quality of life:
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Regular endoscopic surveillance (colonoscopies);
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Gynecologic screening for women;
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Preventive surgeries in specific cases;
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Family genetic counseling.
Take Care of Your Health Today to Protect Your Future
At HPA Saúde Group, we offer a program of screening and specialized genetic follow-up for individuals at increased risk of hereditary syndromes, such as Lynch Syndrome. Our goal is to help diagnose early, protect families, and save lives.
If you have a family history of cancer, speak with your doctor and learn more about the available tests.
16, January 2026
