Strategies for endometrial screening in the Lynch syndrome population: a patient acceptability study

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome accounting for 2-5% of all colorectal cancer. In addition, women with Lynch syndrome have a substantially increased risk of developing endometrial cancer particularly pre-menopausally when symptom detection is more difficult. Current recommendations are that screening for endometrial cancer be offered to women identified to be at risk. The aim of the study was to assess the relative patient acceptability of the available screening modalities. A survey of the perception of the associated pain or discomfort associated with different screening modalities was conducted. Transvaginal ultrasonography was associated with less discomfort than hysteroscopy or Pipelle biopsy, and would be the single test of choice for the majority. There was no significant difference between the pain scores for hysteroscopy and Pipelle biopsy. Issues relating to test acceptability specific to this population are described. Patient acceptability of screening modalities should form an integral part of studies assessing the effectiveness of endometrial screening in the Lynch syndrome population.