Learning more about Lynch syndrome - more than 80 colleagues attend education event

More than 80 colleagues from around West Yorkshire and Harrogate attended a recent education event to raise awareness of Lynch syndrome and to discuss the issues associated with the provision of mainstream testing and improved surveillance.

The event was organised by the Optimal Pathways Group team at the Cancer Alliance, including newly-appointed Lynch syndrome Project Manager/Clinical Nurse Specialist Karen Westaway, pictured below left, together with colleagues from the North East and Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service.

It provided an opportunity for health professionals working in gynaecology and colorectal cancer to collaborate, share best practice and network with colleagues to drive forward an improvement programme for Lynch Syndrome screening and surveillance pathways.

It is estimated that around 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some type of cancer during their lifetime, and genetic experts estimate that around 5-10 percent of these are due to inherited conditions (Cancer Research UK).

Lynch syndrome, previously referred to as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, is an inherited condition which is responsible for around 3 per cent of all endometrial and colorectal cancers.  

Around 1,100 bowel cancers are caused by Lynch syndrome each year in England (NHSE, 2023), and at least 260 endometrial cancers (Bowel Cancer UK, The Eve Appeal).  It is also linked to increased risks of prostate, gastric and brain cancers, as well as multiple cancers, often diagnosed at a younger age.

An estimated 175,000 people have Lynch syndrome in the UK but fewer than 5% of individuals know they have the condition, according to national charity Bowel Cancer UK, highlighting the importance of screening and early diagnosis.

Presentations at the event including an introduction to the Lynch syndrome transformation project; pathology pathways in Lynch syndrome; germline testing in MMR deficiency; clinical genetics pathways and perspectives; mainstreaming in a nutshell, pathways in practice and the importance of early diagnosis management, surveillance and surgical decisions.

For further information about the event and the Lynch syndrome programme in West Yorkshire and Harrogate, contact Karen Westaway, Lynch syndrome Project Manager/Clinical Nurse Specialist, by emailing k.westaway@nhs.net.