Education & Awareness
What Is Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch Syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes — and one of the least known. Understanding it can save your life.
Lynch Syndrome is an inherited condition that significantly increases the risk of developing certain cancers, most commonly colorectal and endometrial cancer, but also ovarian, stomach, urinary tract, and other cancers. It is caused by mutations in genes responsible for repairing DNA errors — known as mismatch repair (MMR) genes.
Cancer Risks
Associated Cancer Risks
People with Lynch Syndrome face significantly elevated lifetime risks for several cancers. Early detection through regular screening dramatically improves outcomes.
Colorectal Cancer
Up to 80% lifetime risk
Most common Lynch-associated cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Up to 60% lifetime risk
Most common in women with Lynch Syndrome
Ovarian Cancer
Up to 24% lifetime risk
Higher risk than the general population
Stomach Cancer
Up to 13% lifetime risk
Regular endoscopy recommended
Urinary Tract Cancer
Up to 28% lifetime risk
Includes kidney and ureter cancers
Other Cancers
Elevated risk
Including brain, skin, and small intestine
Take Action
Genetic Testing & Screening
If you have a family history of colorectal, endometrial, or other Lynch-associated cancers — especially at a young age — genetic testing can determine if you carry a Lynch Syndrome mutation. A simple blood or saliva test is all it takes. Knowing your status allows you and your doctors to create a personalized screening plan that can catch cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Talk to your doctor
Discuss your family history and ask about Lynch Syndrome genetic counseling.
Meet with a genetic counselor
A counselor will review your family history and help determine if testing is right for you.
Get tested
A simple blood or saliva sample is sent to a lab to analyze your MMR genes.
Know your results
If positive, work with your care team to build a proactive screening and prevention plan.
Why This Matters to Us
Romeo Milio was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at age 36. His doctors determined it was likely caused by Lynch Syndrome — a condition he never knew he had. Had Romeo known, regular screenings could have caught the cancer years earlier. This foundation exists so that no family has to learn about Lynch Syndrome the way ours did.
Get Tested. Get Screened. Save Lives.
If you have a family history of Lynch-associated cancers, please talk to your doctor about genetic testing. It could save your life — and the lives of your children.