600,000 to 1,000,000 persons in the United States are projected to have Lynch syndrome, however less than 10% are currently diagnosed. Lynch syndrome creates a hereditary predisposition to a litany of cancers at a high lifetime risk and often at an early age. The risk includes up 82% for colorectal cancer and a 65% risk of endometrial cancer.The average age of diagnosis of cancer in patients with this syndrome is 44 years old, as compared to 64 years old in people without the syndrome.
With the taking of family histories by physicians, genetic testing and annual and/or regular cancer screenings, many of these cancers and subsequent cancer deaths are preventable.
Cancer deaths will reduce as a result of public awareness of Lynch syndrome.