HomeMy WebLinkAboutLynch Syndrome Awareness Day_3.22.13
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, 600,000 to 1,000,000 persons in the United States are projected to have Lynch
Syndrome, however less than 10% are currently diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Lynch Syndrome creates a hereditary predisposition to a litany of cancers at a high
lifetime risk and often at an early age and the risk includes up to 82% for colorectal cancer and a
65% risk of endometrial cancer; and
WHEREAS, individuals diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome face a high risk of other cancers
including ovarian cancer, gastric tract cancers, hepatobiliary cancers, renal pelvic cancers, bladder
cancers, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer and, in some subsets, breast
cancer. Many of these cancers are often preventable with annual cancer screenings; and
WHEREAS, assessment of family medical history of cancers and universal testing of colorectal
and uterine tumors for characteristics of Lynch Syndrome may prompt genetic testing; and
WHEREAS, a positive genetic test will determine if these cancers are hereditary or familial and
qualify affected individuals for regular cancer screening tests for growths, polyps and tumors.
These may be detected early and treated or removed before becoming life threatening cancers; and
WHEREAS, many families in Georgetown will be protected and lives saved as a result of a
diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome and/or other hereditary and familial cancers;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GARVER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TEXAS, do hereby proclaim March 22, 2013
LYNCH SYNDROME HEREDITARY CANCER
PUBLIC AWARENESS DAY