Lynch Syndrome & Inherited Cancer
Lynch syndrome is a condition that causes cancer to run in families. People with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk for colorectal, endometrial and other cancers.Stay up to date on research and information
Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersWhat is Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk for colorectal, endometrial and several other types of cancers, and causes these cancers to run in families. It is caused by a mutation in one of five different genes. A parent who has Lynch syndrome can pass it to their child. Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting their parent's mutation. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they have Lynch syndrome.
Genes linked to Lynch syndrome
The five genes listed below cause Lynch syndrome. Each gene is associated with different risks and guidelines. Learn more about each gene by clicking on the name.
Know your gene
Because cancer risks and management guidelines vary by gene, it's important to know which mutation you have. A genetics expert can help you understand more about your genetic test results.
More about Lynch syndrome
- Lynch syndrome is sometimes called “hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer” or HNPCC. Most healthcare professionals no longer use this term, since Lynch syndrome can increase the risk for other cancers besides colon cancer.
- Lynch syndrome is not rare, about 1 in 280 people has a Lynch syndrome mutation.
- Lynch syndrome runs in families. If you test positive for a Lynch syndrome mutation, it's important to let your blood relatives know, so that they can get tested.
Meet FORCE's Lynch syndrome community
March 01, 2023
Lynch Syndrome Lurked in My Family’s Genes for Years Before Colon Cancer Took My Son
by Junius Nottingham During my approximately 30 years as a federal agent and supervisor, I worked undercover on numerous occasions and supervised many white-collar crimes involving doctors, lawyers and nurses. Yet none of my work or life...
More Lynch Syndrome Resources
Lynch Syndrome Research
Screening Study for Men at High Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT03805919
A Study of Targeted Therapies for Patients With Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT04486352
Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer for People with Lynch Syndrome
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05410977
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05396846
Testing A Combination Of Vaccines For Cancer Prevention In Lynch Syndrome
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05419011
Cancer Prevention Vaccine (Nous-209) for People with Lynch Syndrome
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05078866
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT03803553
Behind the Headlines
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Study: Immunotherapy improves outcomes of advanced endometrial cancer
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Study: New treatment option for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer
If you have advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, there is...
Study: Prostate cancer screening may benefit people with Lynch syndrome
Initial results from the IMPACT trial show that PSA testing...