Identifying Lynch syndrome

✍ Scribed by Albert de la Chapelle; Glenn Palomaki; Heather Hampel

• Book ID: 102275349
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: French
• Weight: 51 KB
• Volume: 125
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0020-7136
• DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24491

✦ Synopsis

In the March 1 issue of Int J Cancer an editorial concludes that ''Therefore, this population-based study has provided evidence that molecular screening and genetic testing all colorectal tumors diagnosed before age 50 years will identify most Lynch syndrome cases.'' 1 The study referred to was published in the same issue of the journal. 2 We strongly disagree with the conclusion that patients over age 50 should not be screened for Lynch syndrome. Because the detection of Lynch syndrome in an individual followed by intensified clinical surveillance and prophylactic interventions can save many lives, 3,4 this proposal 1 is potentially harmful to public health. Detecting Lynch syndrome in people over age 50 is not only important for the probands in whom the mismatch repair gene mutation is first detected, but notably for family members who are found to be mutation carriers after genetic counseling and testing. 5 Below is a brief account of our reasons for rejecting the proposed age limit for screening