Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day is celebrated every year on March 22nd. Hereditary Cancer Syndrome affects approximately 1 in 279 people worldwide, and nearly 95% remain undiagnosed.
At Mayberry Memorial, this day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of how far we’ve come and a call to action for the work still left to do.
The History of a Movement
The history of this awareness day is inextricably linked to the “father of cancer genetics,” Dr. Henry T. Lynch. In the 1960s, he began investigating families with multiple members affected by colorectal and endometrial cancer. At the time, the concept of hereditary cancer transmission was not widely accepted. Practically all institutions at the time thought that any common factors that might be responsible for the clustering of cases in families had to do with environment or habits.
Dr. Lynch never gave up. He spent years recording families with the condition and meticulously documenting the patterns of what was called Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). His work eventually led to the discovery of the mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutations that we now identify as Lynch syndrome.
Building on that scientific foundation, Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day was established in the early 2000s by patient advocates and genetic researchers who sought to shed light on the world’s most common hereditary cancer condition. While Lynch syndrome increases the risk of several cancers – most notably colorectal and endometrial cancers – early detection and genetic knowledge can make all the difference.
Over the years, March has become a national month of recognition, with landmarks lit up in blue and patient communities sharing their stories of resilience and discovery. This movement began with grassroots storytelling – families connecting one by one, sharing how genetics had shaped their journeys. Today, that same spirit continues through organizations like Mayberry Memorial, which stand on the front lines of education and prevention.
From Awareness to Action: Project Conquer
Awareness is the first step, but it shouldn’t be the last. Knowing that Lynch syndrome exists is only half the battle. Having the resources to address it is the other.
This is why Mayberry Memorial is so proud of Project Conquer. We understand that the cost of, and access to, genetic testing and counseling can be a huge barrier for at-risk individuals.
Project Conquer was designed to bridge that gap by:
- Funding Genetic Testing: Providing the financial means for at-risk individuals to get the DNA testing they need.
- Providing Expert Counseling: Ensuring every participant has access to a genetic counselor who can explain what the results mean for them and their families.
- Empowering Prevention: Giving people the data they need to start life-saving screenings (like colonoscopies) earlier and more frequently.
Join the Fight: Sign Up Today
Dr. Henry Lynch’s legacy wasn’t just identifying a syndrome, it was about saving lives through early detection. You can honor that legacy today by taking control of your own health or helping a loved one take theirs.
Do you have a family history of Colorectal, Endometrial or other associated cancers and wonder, “What if?” Project Conquer can help answer those questions for you.
Are you ready to take the next step? Sign up for Project Conquer today.