New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) Patients with womb or uterine cancer are not being tested for a genetic condition that increases their chance of developing further cancers, according to a study.
Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that leaves individuals more susceptible to womb and bowel cancer. While it affects one in 300 people, only five per cent are aware they have it.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh said that diagnosis of Lynch syndrome is important as it enables patients to take action to reduce their cancer risk. It not only improves outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs.
The study, published in the journal BMJ Oncology, looked at more than 2,500 womb cancer cases across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023.
While 91 per cent of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team, meaning follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not arranged.
Two-thirds of the patients eligible for genetic counselling were referred for appointments.
Those who were referred faced long waiting lists, resulting in high drop-out rates. Only 48 per cent of womb cancer patients who should have had further testing ultimately received a blood test, the study found.
Gaps in testing mean that many womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected, leaving them at risk of developing bowel cancer. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk; unaware they may have the condition.
“Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they’re not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected,” said Dr Neil Ryan, clinical lecturer at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Health.
“Tumour testing is only cost-effective if it leads to diagnosis — we urgently need to make mainstream testing truly mainstream,” he added.
Early detection would allow the use of preventative measures to reduce the risk of future cancers, such as taking aspirin and having regular colonoscopies to prevent bowel cancer, or hysterectomies to prevent womb cancer, the researchers said.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
