Talking with Family Members
Talking About Lynch Syndrome
Disease and death are extremely difficult topics to talk about and family members that are already sensitive to events that transpired may avoid talking about it at all. It is vital to remain respectful when discussing a close relative’s diagnosis, illness, treatment, and recovery or passing. Remind yourself that your family members can benefit from knowing about a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Preventative measures can be taken and may ultimately save a life.
To begin talking about disease, realize that sometimes family members may have trouble understanding what a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome means. Below are some helpful things to say when discussing a diagnosis1.
Who to talk about a Lynch syndrome diagnosis with?
- Parents, siblings, and children have a 50% chance of obtaining Lynch syndrome
- Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins have a 25% chance of obtaining Lynch syndrome
- Other more distant relatives have are at risk as well. Talk to a genetic counselor or your healthcare provider to learn more about who could benefit from your diagnosis
What to say to family members about Lynch syndrome?
- Lynch syndrome is inherited and passed down through generations
- Lynch syndrome patients are more likely to get colorectal cancer and other cancers. Women with Lynch syndrome are at an increased risk of getting endometrial and ovarian cancer
- To confirm a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, they should complete genetic counseling and testing to learn more about their risk
- They can start screening at an early age and find a cancer diagnosis early after diagnosis of Lynch syndrome
If you still feel uncomfortable talking to your relatives about Lynch syndrome, please click Join FamilyCONNECT to see how you can avoid these steps and still help your relatives learn about a possible diagnosis.
Works Cited
1Talking to Your Family about Your Lynch Syndrome Diagnosis. (2018, September 13th). Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/colorectal_cancer/talk_family.htm
|
|