Gene Syndrome behind a Significant Number of Endometrial Cancers

New research has found that one in five endometrial cancers among younger Australian women may be caused by a specific genetic syndrome, a meeting of cancer experts will hear today.

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research finding is one of the first Australian studies to reveal such a high frequency of endometrial cancers in women suspected to have Lynch Syndrome. Scientific technical officer Michael Walsh said the findings highlighted the need for women with a family history of colon and endometrial cancers to be screened for the inherited gene abnormality linked to Lynch Syndrome – allowing them to make choices to avoid the cancer. “In Lynch Syndrome there are mutations in proteins responsible for checking newly-made cell DNA for abnormalities.” he said. “Without these repair proteins these faulty cells may develop into cancers.” The study looked at endometrial tumours in 148 Queensland women aged under 50, finding that nearly 20 per cent of tumours failed to make the protein needed to detect abnormal DNA. “We have known that Lynch Syndrome is linked to colorectal cancer, as well as a number of other cancers including endometrial cancer, but this research highlights just how commonly it may be associated with early onset endometrial cancer,” Mr Walsh said. “Screening of women with a family history, particularly of colorectal and endometrial cancers, for Lynch Syndrome will allow women who carry the mutation to be able to make a decision on whether to have a hysterectomy after having children, to prevent the cancer. “It also means that they can be screened by colonoscopy to allow for early detection of colon cancer.” The research findings reflect a growing body of international evidence supporting the association between Lynch Syndrome and the early development of endometrial cancer. Mr Walsh will present his findings at 2pm today at the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting. Riverbank Room 2, Adelaide Convention Centre.See www.cosa.org.au for ongoing info. (Source: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting November 2007 : Cancer Council of Australia : November 2007)