For Women, Lynch Syndrome Is About More than Colon Cancer

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, has historically been characterized by a predisposition to colorectal cancer; however, for women with Lynch syndrome, the risks for gynecologic cancers pose an equal or greater risk than colorectal cancer. In addition, the gynecologic cancer is often the first cancer that presents in these patients. Also of importance to women with Lynch syndrome is the efficacy of gynecologic cancer screening being significantly lower than colorectal cancer screening, leading to inconsistency in provider recommendations for gynecologic screening and surveillance. We had the chance to listen to women with Lynch syndrome, in their own words, discuss their health care experiences as they relate to gynecologic cancer risk, and identified several important themes. They describe feeling confused about their screening and surveillance options while also being heavily reliant on their health care providers for guidance. In addition, women with Lynch syndrome discuss attempting to balance medical management of Lynch syndrome with their reproductive choices. Finally, they believe that increased awareness by women and their providers about the gynecologic cancer risks associated with Lynch syndrome should be a higher priority. We view the words of these women as a call to action for Lynch syndrome patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates.