Haven’t Heard of Lynch Syndrome? You’re Not Alone.

Summary: Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that makes people much more likely to get colorectal cancer and other types of cancer. Surprisingly, about 1 in 279 people have it, but 95% of them don't even know!

Allen Rush found out he carried the gene only after his 20-year-old daughter tragically died from colon cancer. Now, he is fighting back by joining a special vaccine trial at UCSF. Instead of just looking for cancer, this new vaccine tries to train the immune system to destroy cancer cells before they can even turn into tumors.

To help patients, UCSF opened a special Lynch Syndrome Center. They help people keep track of all their doctor visits and even offer pain-free testing by doing multiple exams while patients are asleep. For patients like Bill Shea, who beat colon cancer twice, the lesson is simple: knowing your family history and having a strict medical plan can save your life.

For more details, see ucsf at ucsf.edu/news/2026/03/431631/havent-heard-lynch-syndrome-youre-not-alone (opens in new tab)

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