Anthony Aquilina, DO Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive | WellSpan Hospitals
Anthony Aquilina, DO Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive | WellSpan Hospitals
Kati Reynolds and Shermaine Croney, residents of York County, recently discovered they have Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that increases their risk of developing colorectal and other types of cancer. They are among approximately 150 individuals who tested positive for the condition through the WellSpan Gene Health Project. This initiative provides participants with a complimentary genetic test to assess their potential risk for certain cancers and heart disease.
Neither Kati nor Shermaine was familiar with Lynch syndrome before receiving their diagnosis. However, both women have already been significantly affected by colorectal cancer in their lives. "I was scared by this diagnosis," Shermaine expressed. "It was very emotional, but I would not change my decision to have the screening. I am extremely thankful that I have this information."
Lynch syndrome is inherited as a genetic mutation from parents to children, with each child having a 50% chance of inheriting it if one parent carries the mutation. It affects about 1 in 270 people in the United States, or roughly one million individuals nationwide.
"Lynch syndrome carriers have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, small bowel cancer, skin cancer and other cancers at some point in their lives," explained Tatiana Chichilla, a WellSpan genetic counselor. "Colon and uterine cancer are the big two—the cancers that are the highest risk for people with Lynch."
WellSpan's genetic counselors provide several recommendations for those testing positive for Lynch syndrome: more frequent colonoscopies every one or two years; consideration of surgery to remove parts of the reproductive system for female patients; and regular skin checks due to potential lesions associated with Lynch syndrome.
"Lynch syndrome can be a very manageable condition," Chichilla noted. "I want people to know if they are at risk because they can take charge of their health by having different screenings and lowering their risk of cancer."
Both Kati and Shermaine are adhering to these recommendations while also making lifestyle changes such as consuming more fruits and vegetables while reducing processed foods intake and exercising regularly. They are also informing family members about their diagnosis so relatives can consider testing.
Kati's journey began about a year ago when she experienced symptoms like night sweats, heartburn, pain under her ribcage, followed by blood in her stool—indicative signs of possible colorectal cancer. After undergoing a colonoscopy confirming her diagnosis along with Lynch syndrome identification shortly thereafter—Dr Benjamin Vabi performed robotic surgery removing her tumor followed up chemotherapy treatment sessions since then she continues monitoring progress via scans today.
Shermaine decided on testing after seeing information regarding WellSpan Gene Health Project during another hospital visit where coincidentally soon afterward mother Linda Marshall received colon-cancer confirmation herself thus prompting discovery regarding own status too which ultimately revealed shared hereditary link between them both highlighting importance proactive approach towards health management particularly within communities disproportionately affected higher incidence rates such Black population specifically urging increased awareness engagement necessary preventive measures available ensure better outcomes overall future generations alike
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