Spotlight on Lynch syndrome at inspirational Cancer Alliance event

Spotlight on Lynch syndrome at inspirational Cancer Alliance event

Around 60 cancer nurse specialists from across the Yorkshire and North East region gathered in Leeds in July for a day long education event focusing on Lynch syndrome genetic testing.

The event covered the basics of Lynch and genomics in cancer, testing and diagnosis, genomic conversations, results and referrals, screening, surveillance and signposting.

Lynch syndrome is a condition that increases the risk of many kinds of cancer. This condition can be passed from parents to children and families that have Lynch syndrome have more instances of cancer than expected in the general population. This can include colon cancer, endometrial cancer and other types of cancer.

Interactive aspects of the day included quizzes and case studies with live results shown on screen

The first face to face meeting of the Lynch syndrome CNS Community of Practice took place with special guest speaker Anita Exley (accompanied by one of her sons Nathan) from the Wakefield area who spoke candidly about living with Lynch syndrome and the effects on her family.

As well as cancer nurse specialists, other attendees included lead cancer nurses and bowel cancer screening teams.

Organiser Karen Westaway, Lynch Syndrome Project Manager at the Cancer Alliance, said: “It was almost celebratory witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of nurses from all four corners of the NEY region coming together with the goal of supporting their patients through genomic testing.

“These teams are instrumental in finding the missing 95% of those in England with undiagnosed Lynch syndrome.

“The delegates were visibly inspired by Anita’s courage to share her story regarding the condition and her dedication to helping others access earlier diagnosis.”