Reasons for the increase in cancer among young people.

Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, caused by mutations in genes responsible for "repairing" DNA replication errors (such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). When this repair system malfunctions, mutations accumulate rapidly, leading to the formation of cancer at a much younger age than usual.

- Ảnh 1. — Early detection of mutations through genetic testing opens the door to targeted treatment.

Having a mutation in the MLH1 gene means that an individual faces a significantly higher risk of developing certain cancers compared to the general population. Specifically, the risk of colorectal cancer increases from 1.9% to 52-82% (27-43 times higher than normal); the risk of stomach cancer increases from 0.3% to 6-13% (20-43 times higher).

Hereditary cancer is a type of cancer directly related to genetic mutations and accounts for 5-15% of all cancers.

For endometrial cancer in women, the risk increases from 1.6% to 25-60% (15-37 times higher). Gene mutations increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women from 0.7% to 4-12% (5-17 times higher).

Cancer gene mutations can be inherited through generations and increase the risk of developing cancer in individuals carrying those mutations. A family history of cancer is one of the high-risk factors.

Genetic cancer testing should be considered when: there is a family history of cancer at a young age; there is a family history of multiple types of cancer; you or a family member has cancer in both organs (e.g., bilateral breast cancer); you or a family member has a rare cancer (e.g., male breast cancer)...

According to Associate Professor Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology at Bach Mai Hospital, hereditary cancer is a type of cancer directly related to genetic mutations and accounts for 5-15% of all cancers. These mutations often affect genes that control cell division and DNA repair, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and subsequent tumor formation. Common hereditary cancers include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Associate Professor Pham Cam Phuong emphasized that early detection of these mutations through genetic testing not only helps screen high-risk individuals but also opens up avenues for targeted treatment, based on the unique biological characteristics of each patient. With modern diagnostic methods such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), genetic analysis and diagnosis, and molecular biology combined with treatment methods (targeted therapies, immunotherapy, etc.), it helps extend survival time and improve the quality of life for patients.

Identifying individuals with genetic risk factors can help patients and their families take preventive measures or undergo regular health checkups to detect cancer in its early stages, increasing the chances of effective treatment and prolonging life expectancy.