About Lynch Syndrome
What Causes Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is caused by an inherited gene change (mutation). Genes are the set of
instructions that tell all of the cells in our bodies what to do. A gene mutation is a mistake in
a gene’s DNA that causes the gene to stop working. In the case of Lynch syndrome, a gene
has stopped working that normally helps to prevent colon and endometrial cancer. Therefore,
colon and endometrial cancers are more likely to develop, and are also more likely to occur
at a younger age than usual.
Lynch syndrome is caused by mutations in five genes: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and
EPCAM. Specific risks for the Lynch syndrome-associated cancer depend on which gene is
causing Lynch syndrome within a family.
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