Lynch and FAP Cancers

Cancer is not usually inherited, but some types can be influenced by genes and can run in families. These inherited genes and conditions may increase the risk of developing cancer.

Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that causes an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. It also increases the risk of developing womb cancer and ovarian cancer.

• About 10 to 15 out of 100 (10 to 15%) cases of bowel cancer happen when someone has inherited an increased risk of developing cancer
• About 2 out of 100 (2%) of these cancers are caused by a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome
• One of several genes can be faulty in Lynch syndrome. The most common genes are: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2
• If someone has a mutation in one of their copies of a Lynch syndrome related gene, they have a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of passing on this mutation to each child they have, regardless of their gender or the child’s gender
• It is estimated that 1 in 400 people in England have Lynch syndrome (equivalent to around 175,000 people), but just 5% are aware they are living with the condition.

FAP – Familial adenomatous polyposis

FAP is a rare inherited condition that causes little lumps (called polyps) to grow in large numbers on the lining of the bowel that causes an increased risk of developing bowel cancers.

• About 1 in 8,000 individuals will have FAP
• FAP is defined as more than 100 bowel polyps and about 100 (and sometimes several thousands) of polyps develop in the large bowel during teenage years
• Prophylactic surgery can be undertaken to remove polyps.

What to do if you’re worried

You may be eligible for NHS genetic testing if the faulty gene has already been identified in one of your relatives, or if there is a strong family history of cancer in your family. Find out more on the NHS website.

If you need support completing the form, please contact your GP practice and discuss with a care coordinator.