Health
Cancer risk rises with this little-known syndrome. Here’s how to know if you have the genetic condition
As colorectal cancer continues to spike among younger patients, doctors are warning of a little-known but widespread condition that greatly increases the risk.
Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes someone more susceptible to many different kinds of cancer.
Fox News Digital spoke with two experts about what people should know about this inherited condition.
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Dr. Matthew Grossman, an interventional endoscopist and gastroenterologist with Atlantic Health System in New Jersey, explained the relationship between Lynch syndrome and human DNA.
“Think of DNA as a ladder,” he said. “Normally, errors in the rungs — called mismatches — are fixed by a repair system. In Lynch syndrome, this system is faulty, increasing the risk of mismatches.”
Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes someone more susceptible to many different kinds of cancer. (iStock)
Because of the mismatch repair defect, a person with Lynch syndrome is much more likely to develop abnormalities and defects in cells, which eventually lead to cancer, he said.
“Lynch syndrome is a type of germline mutation, meaning it’s inherited genetically, versus a somatic mutation, which can happen spontaneously to only a few cells,” said Grossman.
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Dr. Ajay Bansal, a gastroenterologist at KU Medical Center at the University of Kansas, emphasized that Lynch syndrome largely flies under the radar, as 95% of patients who have the condition don’t know about it.
“They are not aware that they are at increased risk for not only colon cancer, but also uterine, ovarian, stomach, small bowel, kidney, bladder and perhaps brain cancer,” he told Fox News Digital. “So it’s very underdiagnosed.”
In healthy DNA, errors in the rungs — called mismatches — are fixed by a repair system. In Lynch syndrome, the repair system is faulty, increasing the risk of mismatches, a doctor explained. (iStock)
One of the reasons the syndrome often goes unnoticed is because it’s a “silent” condition, Bansal said. “It doesn’t cause any symptoms until you have cancer.”
The two main cancers tied to the syndrome are colon and colorectal cancer and cancer of the uterus.
“Lynch syndrome can result from four or five different mutations,” Bansal said. “Depending on the mutation, the type of cancer risk changes.”
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For example, for those who have a mutation in a gene called MLH1, the risk of getting colorectal cancer at some point in their lifetime is 80%, Bansal warned.
Among young-onset colorectal cancers, the doctor estimated that roughly 25% are a result of Lynch syndrome.
How is Lynch syndrome detected?
Lynch syndrome can be diagnosed by either a blood test or saliva test, Bansal said.
“If a patient has a family history of multiple colon cancers or multiple other cancers in the family, or if somebody in the family had colon cancer or uterine cancer under the age of 50, we recommend genetic testing to confirm the syndrome,” he said.
Lynch syndrome can be diagnosed through either a blood test or saliva test. (iStock)
Patients who fall into these categories are typically tested for Lynch between the ages of 18 to 25, the doctor said.
Universal genetic testing is not generally performed.
“It’s not approved for the general population, mainly because of costs and insurance concerns,” Bansal noted.
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Before genetic testing was available, clinicians relied on the “3,2,1 criteria” for diagnosing Lynch syndrome, according to Grossman.
“For that criteria, if patients have three or more relatives with one of the affecting cancers on the same side of the family, and this is seen in two or more generations with at least one person under age 50, that is highly diagnostic of Lynch syndrome and they should discuss the condition with a doctor,” he said.
What happens if you’re diagnosed?
There is no treatment or “cure” for Lynch syndrome, as it’s caused by a genetic mutation.
Those who test positive should closely monitor themselves for the warning signs of cancer through regular screenings — especially colonoscopies, Bansal said.
Patients should talk to their primary care doctors about their family history, a doctor advised. (iStock)
In the general population, among people without Lynch syndrome, it is recommended to start colonoscopies at the age of 45.
In patients with Lynch syndrome — especially those with more aggressive phenotypes and genotypes — Bansal recommended starting colonoscopies at the age of 25 and repeating them every one to two years.
“The idea here would be to monitor closely so we can prevent colon cancer by removing polyps or catching it at an early stage when we can treat it,” he said.
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Bansal, who specializes in studying vaccines for cancer prevention, is currently running a clinical trial for a new cancer vaccine. The participants are all people with Lynch syndrome.
“We felt that we had to do something to change the natural history of cancer in this high-risk population,” he told Fox News Digital.
In the trial, researchers are testing a combination of three vaccines that were initially created by a scientist at the National Cancer Institute.
“If a patient has a family history of multiple colon cancers or multiple other cancers in the family, or if somebody in the family had colon cancer or uterine cancer under the age of 50, we recommend genetic testing to confirm the syndrome,” a doctor said. (iStock)
“These vaccines attack those cells in the colorectal area that express abnormal proteins, and then it can train the immune cells to get rid of those cells in the colon — and perhaps in other organs such as the stomach, small bowel, pancreas and uterus — before they turn into cancer or polyps.”
The first two safety phases of the trial have already been completed.
Next, the researchers will perform randomized controlled trials to gauge the effectiveness of the vaccines in keeping cancer at bay.
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If the trial is successful, Bansal said he envisions the vaccine extending to other types of cancers.
Bansal’s main advice to patients is to talk to their primary care doctors about their family history.
The two main cancers tied to the syndrome are colon and colorectal cancer and cancer of the uterus. (iStock)
“In medical care, everybody’s so busy that we don’t discuss family history enough,” he said. “Patients should ask their doctor about their family history of cancers and the possibility of genetic testing, which has become much cheaper than ever before.”
Grossman agreed that it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with the genetic condition.
“Knowing you have Lynch syndrome allows for more frequent colonoscopies and additional cancer screenings that will help save lives,” he said.
“This is a great example of how our increased knowledge of genetics has improved our clinical care.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
The American Humane announced the winning dog for its annual Hero Dog Award — and the working pet has a unique story.
The Hero Dog Awards announced the finalists for the award as a way to shed light on these remarkable animals’ efforts in a variety of areas.
The organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1877 and is the country’s first national humane organization committed to animals.
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The annual nationwide competition identifies America’s top dogs in five key categories: military dogs; law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs.
Beginning in April, hundreds of dog owners across the country submitted the names of their pets for consideration for “Hero Dog.”
Bo is a 18-month-old bloodhound who works with the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina. (American Humane)
This year, the winner of the Hero Dog Award is Bo, a law enforcement and first responder dog.
He’s an 18-month-old bloodhound male from Gastonia, North Carolina, who works with the Gastonia Police Department.
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Though still young, Bo has been saving lives and solving crimes since he was just eight months old, according to the American Humane.
He started his career in law enforcement in 2023 after the police department handpicked him from a litter of puppies — and Bo went home with Sgt. David Rowland for further training.
Bo and Sgt. David Rowland, pictured, have been partners since Bo was a puppy. (American Humane)
After training the dog and working on bonding, Rowland said his family took a keen liking to the dog.
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The American Humane noted that a bloodhound breed was new for the Gastonia Police Department, as it’s only ever had German shepherds and other classic law enforcement breeds prior to this.
Bo is known for his unique personality. He’s easily frightened by Halloween decorations — but has been called a gentle giant.
Bo as a puppy. He was handpicked as a young dog for his current role. (American Humane)
Bo is able to approach and comfort the people he tracks down — making him a secret weapon for the department.
Since he began working, Bo has tracked down a missing 11-year-old child with autism, plus a 7-year-old kidnapping victim — and he’s found many lost senior citizens as well.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
Rowland told Fox News Digital that honoring Bo with the Hero Dog Award “means everything” to him and the Gastonia Police Department.
Bo of North Carolina was named the 2024 Hero Dog by American Humane for his outstanding work in the community. (American Humane)
“All the hard work we’ve put in together pays off every time he brings a missing loved one back into the arms of their family,” he said.
He added, “This national recognition for Bo will surely bring comfort to the community we serve, showing them that Bo’s skills are here to help — whether it’s reuniting families or delivering justice to victims.”
American Humane president and CEO Robin Ganzert, PhD, told Fox News Digital that Bo “has accomplished more in his young life than many do in their entire careers.”
American Humane announced the Hero Dog Award for 2024. The honor has gone to a law enforcement dog who makes a difference in his community. (American Humane)
“Bo goes above and beyond to track down missing people and offer them love, comfort and kisses during their time of need,” she added.
The finalist dogs from each category will be honored at a gala in Palm Beach, Florida, in November — where the animals will walk, sniff and run down a red carpet.
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Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency has put his health and stamina into focus.
While past presidents have appeared to age quickly during their administrations, experts say Trump maintains high levels of energy and vitality eight years after he was first elected president.
From his nomination in mid-March 2024 until the election on Nov. 5, Trump presided over at least 120 rallies, town halls and campaign events.
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“The fact that he attended 120 events in 7 months — often multiple rallies in a single day in different states — is proof-positive that Trump has a tremendous amount of stamina, mentally and physically,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, told Fox News Digital.
As of last November, Trump’s overall health was “excellent,” according to a letter penned by his personal physician, which the president-elect posted on his Truth Social account.
Donald Trump’s re-election as president this week has put his health and stamina into focus. (Getty Images)
In the letter, Dr. Bruce Aronwold of New Jersey’s Morristown Medical Center wrote that Trump’s physical exams were “well within the normal range” and that his cognitive exams were “exceptional.”
The doctor added that with continued preventative monitoring and maintenance, “he will continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle for years to come.”
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The president-elect also spoke about his health during an Oct. 26 appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.
“How are you so healthy?” Rogan asked Trump directly.
Donald Trump is pictured in 2016 (left) and in 2024 (right). As of last November, the president-elect’s overall health was deemed “excellent,” according to a letter penned by his personal physician. (David Hume Kennerly/James Devaney; GC Images/Getty Images)
Trump attributed his good health to “genetics,” he said, noting that his parents were also healthy.
The president-elect also acknowledged that his love of golf has helped boost his health and stamina — particularly the “good, fresh air” that comes with being outside, along with the mental stimulation of focusing on the game.
Lifestyle vs. genetics
Osborn said he finds it “fascinating” to look at Trump’s aging process through the lens of genetics and lifestyle.
“It’s well-established that both factors contribute to how we age, with research suggesting that about 75% of aging is driven by lifestyle and environment, and 25% by genetics,” Osborn, who has not treated or examined Trump, told Fox News Digital.
“Research suggests that about 75% of aging is driven by lifestyle and environment, and 25% by genetics.”
“This balance highlights the power of lifestyle choices, even for those with potential genetic advantages.”
While Trump has been open about partaking of fast food and soda, he has said that he doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol.
“Avoiding alcohol and tobacco — major contributors to various health issues — likely benefits his cardiovascular and cognitive health,” Osborn noted.
President-elect Donald Trump is pictured at an election night watch party on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP/Alex Brandon)
The doctor reiterated that the president-elect’s golf outings provide regular outdoor exercise, which is essential for heart and muscle health as he ages.
Beyond the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, Osborn attributes Trump’s health and stamina to his high level of social interaction.
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“He maintains close relationships with family and friends and keeps up a packed, demanding schedule,” Osborn noted.
“Social engagement and mental stimulation are strongly associated with lower dementia risks, and Trump’s rigorous daily routine likely supports his cognitive health.”
Power of the mind
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, said that the president-elect has a high level of cognitive health.
“I’ve never examined him, but I interviewed him twice previously and found him to be very engaged and cognitively advanced,” Siegel told Fox News Digital, adding that Trump has taken “several” cognitive tests.
Barack Obama is pictured in 2008 (left) and at the end of his term in 2016 (right). While past presidents have appeared to age quickly during their administrations, experts say Trump maintains high levels of energy and vitality eight years after he was first elected to the White House. (Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis/Samuel Corum; Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
“I spoke several times to his physician during the first term, Sean Conley, who said he was very fit mentally and physically,” Siegel said.
“Many people who know him well tell me that.”
The doctor also noted that Trump has “spoken extemporaneously many times without a script or teleprompter, which is advanced.”
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Osborn echoed that, noting that Trump fielded questions without preparation, which was “sound testimony to his high level of cognitive function and mental fortitude.”
In response to any claims of the president-elect’s cognitive decline, Osborn called them “unfounded.”
“Trump’s cognitive function rivals that of much younger individuals, and his stamina is evident in his ability to manage a high-energy schedule.”
“Trump’s cognitive function rivals that of much younger individuals, and his stamina is evident in his ability to manage a high-energy schedule — think five rallies in five states in a single day!”
Osborn added, “These feats are a testament to his mental and physical resilience, demonstrating that age can truly be just a number.”
‘Strong sense of self’
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan, said that Trump’s “strong sense of self” could also contribute to his stamina. (He has not examined him.)
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