New thesis shows Lynch syndrome should be seen as a common condition
Sophie Walton Bernstedt from the Gastroenterology and Rheumatology Unit at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH), is defending her thesis "Risk factors for colorectal cancer and the impact on life in Lynch syndrome", on 24 May, 2024. Main supervisor is Ann-Sofie Backman (MedH).
What is the main focus of your thesis?
We have investigated various risk factors associated with the development of colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome and what it is like for these patients to live with a greatly increased cancer risk.
Which are the most important results?
There is likely still a large number of patients yet to be identified with Lynch syndrome. It is necessary to identify these patients in time in order to prevent and detect early stage cancer by preventive procedures.
By implementing routines in follow-up services for this group of patients it is possible to create optimal conditions for early detection. These routines include bowel preparation, but also the quality of the procedure, adaptation to genetic risk but also accommodating psychosocial needs amongst patients.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
Lynch syndrome no longer should be considered a rare condition. By increasing the knowledge of hereditary cancer in the public we hope to increase the efficiency of cancer preventive measures
What are your future ambitions?
To finish my residency, become a good physician for my patients, and to continue our work in optmising cancer prevention strategies.
Dissertation
Friday, 24 maj, at 09:00, Föreläsningssal B64, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge / Online
Thesis
Risk factors for colorectal cancer and the impact on life in lynch syndrome