National Cancer Survivors Month: How Proactive Care Can Aid Previvors And Survivors
June is National Cancer Survivors Month – a time to celebrate the strength of those who have faced cancer and come out the other side. But it is also a moment to ask a deeper question: What gives someone the best possible chance of surviving cancer, or never facing it at all?
For people with Lynch syndrome, the answer often comes down to one thing – a consistent, proactive health regimen. When you know you carry a hereditary cancer risk, going to your check-ups and screenings is crucial. It’s not just a good idea, it is one of the most powerful tools you have.
What it means to be a Previvor with Lynch syndrome
A Previvor is someone who carries a hereditary cancer risk but has not yet been diagnosed with cancer. A Lynch syndrome diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but it also gives something invaluable – a head start. Instead of waiting for symptoms, you can work closely with your doctor to keep an eye on your body and catch any changes early on, and in many cases, prevent cancer from developing at all.
That head start isn’t available to everyone. People who don’t know they have Lynch syndrome don’t have the chance to act on it. That is why awareness and access to genetic testing matter so much.
Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition caused by changes in certain genes. These genes are supposed to help fix mistakes in our DNA, but when they’re not working right, it can lead to a higher risk of getting certain types of cancer. This includes cancers of the colon, uterus, urinary tract, ovaries, and some other types of cancer, depending on which specific gene is affected.
The risk is real, but it’s also true that we have the ability to act on it. When Lynch-related cancers are caught early through regular screening, survival rates go up significantly. The difference between an early-stage and a late-stage diagnosis can be the difference between a manageable treatment and a life-altering one.
For Previvors with Lynch syndrome, regular screening is a measurable, life-preserving strategy. When colorectal cancer is caught at stage I, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when found at stage III or IV. The same pattern holds for other Lynch-related cancers.
The Previvor who keeps every appointment is actively tilting the odds in their favor. Colonoscopies can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they ever become a problem. That is prevention in action.
What the health regimen looks like in practice
Proactive care for someone with Lynch syndrome depends on their specific gene variant, age, and health history, but a typical surveillance regimen may include:
- A colonoscopy every one to two years helps find and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.
- Gynecologic surveillance – including annual endometrial biopsy or pelvic ultrasound – for those at elevated endometrial risk.
- Urinalysis to monitor for early signs of urinary tract cancers.
Additional screenings based on the specific variant: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM.
Consistency is what makes the difference. Working with a medical team that has a deep understanding of Lynch syndrome specifically is also essential. This tailored approach can lead to better outcomes and a more positive experience overall.
What happens when the regimen works
The best-case outcome looks like this. Polyps found and removed before they turn cancerous. An early-stage finding treated successfully with strong odds of full recovery. It’s also great when the scan results come back showing nothing’s wrong, and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.
These outcomes don’t happen by chance. They happen because someone kept their appointments and stayed engaged with their care team. Even when cancer does develop in someone who has been diligent, the catch is almost always earlier meaning treatment is more likely to be effective. Following this plan doesn’t mean you’ll never get cancer, but it really improves your chances of doing well, no matter what happens.
Genetic counseling and Project Conquer
Before someone can follow a proactive health regimen, they need to know they need one. Genetic counseling is the starting point, helping someone understand their variant, risks, and how to build a surveillance plan tailored to their needs.
That is where Project Conquer comes in. Mayberry Memorial’s flagship program is all about helping people who are at high risk get the genetic counseling and testing they need. The thing is, a lot of people face obstacles that stop them from taking that important first step, but Project Conquer is here to change that. By removing those barriers, it’s making it possible for people to get the help they need, and that’s a really big deal.
Survivors fight – so do Previvors
National Cancer Survivors Month honors remarkable resilience. Previvors with Lynch syndrome are part of that story – fighting before the diagnosis comes, with knowledge and consistency as their tools.
At Mayberry Memorial, we believe awareness should lead to action. Through Project Conquer, we help high-risk individuals access genetic counseling and testing so they can understand their risk, build a plan, and face the future with confidence. By taking action, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.