Content courtesy of my friend at Myriad Mr. Brandon Deck. For more information see their website at http://www.myriadtests.com Lynch Syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome comprising about 3% to 5% of all CRCs. About 1 in 660 to 1 in 2000 individuals have Lynch syndrome making it just about as common as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. However Lynch syndrome is even more under diagnosed than hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. The goal of this posting is to discuss this “other” common genetic syndrome and raise awareness. The red flags associated with Lynch syndrome are having a personal or family history of: Colon cancer diagnosed before age 50 Endometrial cancer diagnosed before age 50 or more Lynch-associated cancers (Lynch-associated cancers include mainly colon endometrial gastric or ovarian but may also include ureter/renal pelvis biliary tract small bowel pancreatic brain and sebaceous adenoma) in an individual or family Relative with Lynch syndrome mutation The COLARIS® test is commercially available to doctors and patients and looks for mutations in the three genes (MLH1 MSH2 and MSH6) that account for the majority of Lynch syndrome. Unless a familial mutation has been identified individuals at risk for Lynch syndrome should receive counseling for Comprehensive COLARIS® testing. If you think you might be at high risk for a Lynch syndrome in your family be sure to talk about testing with your doctor.