Women's Health
Lynch syndrome: Reclaiming power
This inherited cause of colorectal cancer also raises the risks of various other types of malignancies. But there are ways to curtail its reach.
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
No one wants to learn they're at higher risk for cancer. But it's not all bad news for people with an inherited condition called Lynch syndrome, who can use their knowledge to prevent cancers from developing or progressing and empower family members to do the same.
About one in every 280 Americans — 1.1 million people in all — has the disorder, according to the National Cancer Institute. Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer, and people with it are also much more likely to develop a range of other malignancies — including uterine and ovarian cancers, which only affect women. They're also likelier to develop cancer before age 50.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer

Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.