Meet Mike from our Patient Safety Team. Last year, he was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that runs in families and can increase some people’s risk of developing bowel, pancreatic, and gynaecological cancers.

Around one in 400 people in the UK are believed to be affected, although only around five percent are aware. Mike was tested for the condition after his dad was found to carry the gene during his treatment for stomach cancer. He says, “My dad has survived stomach cancer twice now, but sadly, this was the cause of death for his brother, father, uncle, aunt, and grandmother, who all died in their 30s or 40s. We suspected there was a genetic link, but because he avoided cancer in their age group, we thought all was well.

“He still had regular colonoscopy and endoscopy screenings because of this, which detected his first stomach cancer at age 72. During his second bout, advances in genetics testing saw him being tested for Lynch Syndrome, and the genetics team also recommended that my brother and I be tested.

“It was a shock to find out thta I lso had the gene. As my dad said to me, ‘knowledge is power’, and the diagnosis now means I’m on a two-yearly bowel screening programme.

“I’ve also explained to my GP how important an endoscopy was for me, and I had my first one in December. So far, both screenings have been clear.

“Now I know I have Lynch Syndrome, I know to be vigilant for symptoms, and to keep myself as healthy as possible. The GP has also prescribed me a daily dose of aspirin as research has shown this reduces bowel cancer risk.

“I’m also part of ‘Lynch Syndrome UK’ Facebook support group, and I am under regular review by the genetics team in Manchester.

“Screening has saved my dad’s life twice so far and could well save mine.”