Hereditary cancers & genetics
Cancer types
Lynch syndrome
If you or a family member carry a gene mutation, or cancer runs in your family, find out what it means, who should be tested, and how risk can be managed.
If you or a family member carry a gene mutation, or cancer runs in your family, find out what it means, who should be tested, and how risk can be managed.
This map explains Lynch syndrome: the genes, the cancers it raises, screening, prevention, treatment and family testing.
Tap any topic on the map to read about it. Topics with an arrow open more topics.
The risk depends on which gene is involved. Tap a gene on the map.
Higher risk: bowel cancer in up to about half of carriers, and womb cancer in up to about half of women, often before 50.
Bowel cancer risk is lower and later; womb cancer risk is high.
The lowest risk: bowel and womb cancer in about 1 to 2 out of 10, usually later in life.
Why this matters: this simple tumour test finds many families who would otherwise be missed.
| Test | When |
|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | Every 1 to 2 years from 20 to 25 (MLH1, MSH2); from 30 to 35 (MSH6, PMS2). |
| Upper GI endoscopy | Every 2 to 4 years from 30 to 40 years; test and treat H. pylori. |
| Womb | Report any irregular or post-menopausal bleeding straight away. Endometrial biopsy may be offered. |
Why this matters: colonoscopy removes polyps before they become cancer, and greatly lowers the chance of dying from bowel cancer.
This information is general. Your own treatment plan may be different. Please discuss it with your doctor.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr Prathyusha Eaga, MD, DM (Medical Oncology). Last reviewed: 12 October 2026. Based on NCCN and ESMO guidelines.
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