(29 November 2023) More than 80 colleagues from around West Yorkshire and Harrogate attended a recent education event to raise awareness of Lynch syndrome, and to discuss the issues associated with the provision of mainstream testing and improved surveillance.
The event was organised by the Optimal Pathways team at the West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, and colleagues from the North East & Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service.
The day was designed to give health professionals working in gynaecology and colorectal cancer an opportunity to collaborate, share best practice and network with colleagues to drive forward an improvement programme for Lynch Syndrome screening and surveillance pathways.
Presentations at the event included an introduction to the Lynch syndrome transformation project; pathology pathways in Lynch syndrome; germline testing in MMR deficiency; clinical genetics pathways and perspectives; mainstreaming in a nutshell, pathways in practice and the importance of early diagnosis management, surveillance and surgical decisions.
Karen Westaway, Lynch Syndrome Project Manager / Clinical Nurse Specialist with West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, was delighted with the event:
“It was a fantastic start to my new role and a great opportunity to meet all the key people in the region. The event provided an excellent platform for bringing colleagues from colorectal and endometrial cancer pathways together to both hear from expert speakers, and to discuss how we can work together across the region to provide equitable and effective Lynch Syndrome pathways.”
Lynch Syndrome Facts
It is estimated that around 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some type of cancer during their lifetime, and genetic experts estimate that around 5-10 percent of these are due to inherited conditions (Cancer Research UK).
Lynch syndrome, previously referred to as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, is an inherited condition which is responsible for around 3 per cent of all endometrial and colorectal cancers.
Around half of all people with Lynch syndrome develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
It is also linked to increased risks of developing other cancers including endometrial, gastric, small bowel, urothelial and brain cancers. There are around 1,000 cases at these other sites each year in the UK.
An estimated 175,000 people have Lynch syndrome in the UK but fewer than 5% of individuals know they have the condition, according to national charity Bowel Cancer UK, highlighting the importance of screening and early diagnosis of the condition.
For further information about the event and the Lynch syndrome programme in West Yorkshire and Harrogate
Contact: Karen Westaway, Lynch syndrome Project Manager/Clinical Nurse Specialist Email: [email protected]