Know your family history

Bendigo father of two, Tim, has been conscious of his health for a long time.

Losing his father to bowel cancer when he was a child, and having his paternal grandfather, aunt and uncle diagnosed with the disease, he knew it was important to check his own bowel cancer risk.  

In 2014, Tim had genetic testing done to see if he had Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that increases a person's risk of developing certain cancers, including bowel cancer.  

"One of my older cousins had the testing done first and was found to have Lynch. Out of eight cousins, five of us have Lynch syndrome – including me,” he said.

"I'm so lucky to live in a time that I can get genetic testing and know I have Lynch syndrome.”

Approximately one in 280 Australians are believed to carry the mismatch repair gene deficiency that causes Lynch syndrome.

Tim said Men’s Health Week (June 9-15) was an opportunity for men to look into their family history of cancer and take steps to reduce their cancer risk.

“It can be a struggle to get men to talk about their health and they often brush off concerns. I would love for anyone who thinks they might also have Lynch to look into it and get tested,” he said.

Tim has yearly colonoscopies and has had polyps removed twice. He also exercises five times a week and maintains a healthy diet to help him reduce his bowel cancer risk.

You are more likely to have Lynch syndrome if you have at least three blood relatives who have been diagnosed with a Lynch syndrome related cancer over at least two generations. Your risk is also higher if one of your blood relatives was diagnosed under the age of 50.

People with Lynch syndrome have a significantly higher risk of developing bowel and endometrial cancers. Other cancers seen less frequently in people with Lynch syndrome include stomach, liver/gallbladder, kidney, brain and skin cancers.

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper AM said Men’s Health Week was a strong reminder for men to take steps to reduce their cancer risk.

“It's important for men to be proactive about their own health and talk to their loved ones about their family history of cancer to ensure they are aware of any increased cancer risk,” Mr Harper said.

“Increasing awareness of Lynch syndrome and knowing your family history of cancer could save your life.”

Lynch syndrome can be diagnosed through genetic counselling and testing. Speak to your doctor to see if this is suitable for you.

For people with no family history of bowel cancer, it's still important to be vigilant of any symptoms and keep up to date with bowel screening.

Australians aged 45-74 are eligible to do a bowel screening test every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

People aged 50-74 receive the bowel screening kit in the mail every two years, while people aged 45-49 can request their first bowel screening kit through the National Cancer Screening Register.