Huge new NHS testing blitz to spot Brits with little-known condition that raises risk of cancer

Thousands of people will be tested for a genetic condition that increases the risk of cancer by up to 80 percent.

A new NHS testing program will target Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases the risk of certain cancers, including bowel, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

It is estimated that 1 in 400 people have the condition – the equivalent of about 175,000 people – but only 5 percent know they are living with the condition.

Health officials hope the blood test, which is being offered to people diagnosed with colon and endometrial cancer and their families, will find those at risk.

They estimate the service will test about 50,000 people a year, saving hundreds of lives.

Patients with the condition may receive more targeted treatments, while family members may be referred to genetic services to discuss regular cancer screening options or to have risk-reducing surgeries.

NHS chief Amanda Pritchard said: ‘This advanced genetic test is helping to identify thousands of people living with Lynch syndrome – meaning we can work with them to reduce their cancer risk and provide more personalized and effective treatment if they do. need.

‘Throughout its 75-year history, the NHS has been a world leader in embracing science and innovation to transform patient care.

‘Our increasing use of genetic testing and genomic medicine is another example of this as the NHS continues to make the latest, most innovative tests and treatments available to patients across the country.’

Each year in England, about 1,100 bowel cancers are caused by Lynch syndrome, which is thought to increase the lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer by about 80 percent.

It is also linked to the risk of people developing multiple cancers during their lifetime and often at a younger age than usually expected.

The NHS can now identify the condition through a blood test, giving doctors a better chance of tackling it.

Dr. Kevin Monahan, gastroenterologist consultant and Lynch syndrome specialist at St Mark’s, The National Bowel Hospital, said: ‘This will benefit people diagnosed with cancer by improving access to more effective and precise treatments, and for their families who otherwise at risk. of cancer.’

Dr. Lisa Wilde from Bowel Cancer UK said: ‘It’s a huge step in the right direction that more people are being tested for Lynch syndrome.

“This important announcement means that those who do not have colon cancer but test positive for Lynch syndrome can be monitored regularly to reduce their risk of the disease in the future, and that those who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer will have a receive effective treatment. treatment to save more lives from the disease.”

One person who believes being diagnosed with Lynch syndrome saved his life is 29-year-old Charlie Grinstead.

Charlie was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2020, shortly after getting married and starting a new job. The cancer did not respond to surgery and chemotherapy and continued to grow, decreasing the chances of survival.

But thanks to the NHS using genomic testing, doctors were able to confirm a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome in July 2020, opening up new treatment options for Charlie.

Two years later, and he’s in complete remission. His doctors have asked him to stop treatment and have quarterly scans – the first was this year and still completely clear.

Charlie said: ‘It feels crazy, it never felt real when I was diagnosed with cancer in March 2020 and it feels weird to end it now – it’s been an absolute whirlwind for the past two to three years.

“It was an emotional roller coaster of having surgery and then the worsening side effects and decreasing effectiveness of chemotherapy, but then genomic testing, being diagnosed with Lynch syndrome and receiving the immunotherapy changed everything.

As a result of his diagnosis, Charlie’s family has also been tested for the genetic condition, with his mother – who herself had cervical cancer in her 30s – also found to have Lynch syndrome.

Doctors were able to catch her breast cancer early and after successful treatment, she is now doing well.