Sarah had a history of cancer in her family, her mom was diagnosed with cancer twice in three years, first with breast followed by uterine cancer.

One of the doctors treating her mother suggested she might have a hereditary condition known as Lynch Syndrome that predisposes individuals who carry this genetic mutation to a variety of cancers.

A common and underdiagnosed genetic condition, Lynch syndrome increases the
lifetime risk of colorectal cancer by up to 80 percent, endometrial cancer by up to 60 percent while significantly elevating the risk of ovarian, stomach, and other cancers.

In the United States, an estimated 1 in 300 people carry 1 of the 5 Lynch syndrome mutations, but most carriers are either undiagnosed, or diagnosed after they have developed cancer.

Sarah made an appointment for genetic testing for Lynch but was told there was a 3 month wait, her PCP said it was a good idea for her to get colonoscopy in the meantime.

She is glad that she did. The colonoscopy revealed cancer. Sarah underwent surgery to remove the cancer and a part of her colon.

She was then referred to Dana-Farber and Dr. Matt Yurgelun, an oncologist and a Lynch Syndrome specialist. Her subsequent genetic testing revealed that she indeed had Lynch Syndrome.