Familial Bowel Cancer Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria. The 39 tested individuals and 37 of their descendants who were registered with the screening program had undergone 70 colonoscopies in the five years before genetic testing. It may therefore reduce costs, as well as have emotional benefits for many individuals. Discoveries in the 1990s of germ-line mutations, the most common of which are hMSH2 and hMLH1, have added enormous power to the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Its medical management is contingent upon its natural history.
Genetic counseling is essential prior to DNA testing, and at the time of disclosure of the results.
Education of patients as well as physicians about all facets of this disorder is extremely important. If patients are to show compliance with germ-line testing, screening, and management options, they must understand the natural history and the significance of their genetic risk status. Physicians must also be aware of clinical nuances of this disorder to provide the necessary care. Although the search strategy has been refined as best as possible, citations may appear that are not directly related to the topic, and occasionally relevant references may be omitted. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.