Lynch Syndrome (LS) / Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)

What is LS/HNPCC?

LS is the most common form of hereditary colorectal cancer. It accounts for approximately 2% of all colorectal cancers. Individuals who have this condition are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Additionally, women in families with LS have an increased chance of developing cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus or womb).

LS is also associated with cancer of the:

• small bowel

• ureter and kidney (specifically transitional cell carcinomas)

• ovary

• stomach

• hepatobiliary tract (e.g. pancreas and bile duct)

• brain

• skin (specifically sebaceous carcinoma and keratoacanthomas)

Although the risk for the non-colorectal and non-endometrial cancers is slightly higher for an individual with LS, the actual risk is still quite low.