Lynch syndrome screening should begin at what age and what interval?

Lynch syndrome screening should begin at what age and what interval?

• A. 20–25 years, colonoscopy every 1–2 years
• B. 30–35 years, colonoscopy every 5 years
• C. 15–20 years, colonoscopy yearly
• D. 25–30 years, colonoscopy every 3 years

Answer: (A)

Lynch syndrome involves a high risk of colorectal cancer and, in carriers of MMR gene mutations, polyps can develop and progress to cancer more quickly than in the general population. Because of this, surveillance starts early and is done frequently to catch cancers early or remove polyps before they turn malignant. The recommended starting age is about 20 to 25 years (or 2–5 years younger than the youngest affected relative in the family). The colonoscopy interval is every 1 to 2 years, since longer intervals increase the chance of missing early cancers in this syndrome. Starting later or spacing exams beyond 2 years would miss opportunity for early detection and prevention.

Lynch syndrome involves a high risk of colorectal cancer and, in carriers of MMR gene mutations, polyps can develop and progress to cancer more quickly than in the general population. Because of this, surveillance starts early and is done frequently to catch cancers early or remove polyps before they turn malignant. The recommended starting age is about 20 to 25 years (or 2–5 years younger than the youngest affected relative in the family). The colonoscopy interval is every 1 to 2 years, since longer intervals increase the chance of missing early cancers in this syndrome. Starting later or spacing exams beyond 2 years would miss opportunity for early detection and prevention.