When is genetic counselling recommended for Lynch syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is an inherited tendency toward certain cancers, including cancers of the bowel and womb. Tumour testing may sometimes raise the question of Lynch syndrome, while a genetics assessment considers personal history, family history and any known familial result.

Counselling explains the difference between tumour findings and an inherited result. It also covers possible outcomes of testing, how results may guide screening, and how information can be shared with relatives in a supported way.

Ask for a genetics referral if you have a Lynch syndrome result, a tumour report that prompts referral, bowel or womb cancer at a young age, or several relatives with bowel, womb, ovarian, stomach or related cancers. Bring reports and details about relatives, including the side of the family affected.

A counsellor can help decide whether testing is appropriate and whether an affected family member should be tested first. Keep scheduled cancer follow-up even while genetic results are being arranged.

Book counselling without delaying routine oncology or screening appointments. Report persistent blood in the stool, a sustained change in bowel habit, unusual vaginal bleeding or unexplained abdominal pain to a clinician; seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting or marked weakness.

Ask whether tumour testing suggests inherited risk, which relative should be tested first, what screening applies to you, and how a result could change recommendations for relatives.