
Lynch Scan
Lead Researcher: Dr. Aline Talhouk, Dr. Lesa Dawson
Lynch-SCAN (Lynch Syndrome Carriers’ Uterine Cancer Health Assessment: Sampling and DNA-based Detection)
Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome caused by specific gene mutations. Individuals with Lynch syndrome who have a uterus face over a 10 times greater risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to the general population. Some individuals have their uterus removed as a preventative measure, while those who still have their uterus may be offered annual transvaginal pelvic ultrasound testing and endometrial biopsies. However, the effectiveness of these tests is unproven, given they are time-consuming and invasive, resulting in low adherence to regular testing.
This project will evaluate if data collected from questionnaires and non-invasive biological tests (vaginal DNA and microbiome, pH) can be used to predict the risk of endometrial cancer in Lynch syndrome carriers in BC.
We are recruiting people who:
- Are carriers of Lynch syndrome confirmed by genetic testing
- Are aged over 30
- Have an intact uterus
Participation involves completing a health assessment questionnaire and up to three rounds of at-home sample collection.
