Local hospital launches digital site for Lynch Syndrome diagnosis

Monday, 6 January 2025 09:16

Airedale Hospital Foundation Trust in Craven

Airedale and Bradford hospitals have teamed together to create and launch a new digital resource for patients diagnosing Lynch Syndrome.

Lynch Syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk of certain cancers, including bowel, ovarian, and endometrial.

It is estimated that 1 in 400 people in England have Lynch Syndrome but only 5% are aware that they are living with the condition.

The NHS has begun to roll out a genetic testing programme for the condition.

Funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance the new online hub, on both Airedale and Bradford Hospital’s websites, uses a series of videos and written information to explain more about Lynch Syndrome and how the Trusts test for it.

It also explains some of the implications of a positive test and the work of the genetic counselling service based at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

It is useful for patients or for family members or friends who want to provide help and support to their loved ones.

Caroline Salt, Cancer Lead Nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Cancer genetic screening is becoming more widely used to identify those patients who may be genetically at a greater risk of developing a cancer. "The aim of the Lynch Syndrome webpage is to provide support to patients, families and carers, helping them to understand the pathway here at Airedale and how each individual service contributes to the process."

Caroline added:

Our Colorectal and Gynae Clinical Nurse Specialist teams have been pivotal in setting up dedicated nursing clinics to support patients and I am delighted with the video highlighting the fantastic work they do.”

Michelle Ratcliffe, lead cancer nurse at Bradford NHS Foundation Trust said:

“We know that any cancer diagnosis can be worrying and finding out you might also be affected by a condition called Lynch Syndrome might only add to these worries, so we want to do our best to explain everything our patients need to know about Lynch Syndrome and the genetic counselling we provide.”

You can see the videos on Airedale website here.

Listen to Your Christmas!

Your Christmas Radio
The best of life at Christmas powered by Visit North Yorkshire

Playing It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Andy Williams

Listen Live