However the dangerous information got here with a silver lining. Betzler was referred to Kellogg for genetic counseling. She additionally started receiving annual colonoscopies to verify her colon and rectum for any indicators of most cancers. She receives an endoscopy each 2 years to verify for most cancers in her abdomen and esophagus.
Ladies with Lynch syndrome may additionally want common screenings for reproductive cancers. Betzler doesn’t as a result of she has had a hysterectomy.
Know your danger
Threat components for Lynch syndrome embody having:
- Colorectal most cancers earlier than the age of 55 or uterine most cancers earlier than menopause
- 2 or extra colorectal or different Lynch-related cancers
- Multiple relative on one facet of the household with colorectal or uterine cancers
- A relative with Lynch syndrome
In Betzler’s case, her sister had been recognized with Lynch syndrome after studying she had colon most cancers. “We examined Karen for a similar gene mutation, and the outcomes have been constructive,” Kellogg stated.
A greater care expertise
Betzler appreciated the comfort of receiving care inside Kaiser Permanente’s linked system.
“There was no delay in having any of the testing achieved. Whether or not it was a blood take a look at or a colonoscopy, every little thing occurs proper right here,” she stated.
The choice of utilizing telehealth for some appointments was one other timesaver. “I didn’t should take additional day trip of my day to get to the physician’s workplace,” she stated.
Utilizing information to handle danger
Kellogg credit Kaiser Permanente’s staff strategy with guaranteeing one of the best take care of sufferers like Betzler. Multidisciplinary evaluate boards of most cancers specialists meet often to debate complicated instances.
“That permits us to make knowledgeable selections,” she stated.
In case you assume you might have an inherited predisposition for most cancers, make sure to inform your physician.
“Having that info permits you to be extra proactive,” stated Kellogg. “You possibly can take concrete steps to handle your danger.”
Be taught extra about most cancers care at Kaiser Permanente.