Understanding HBOC, Lynch Syndrome, and Your Hereditary Cancer Risks

Did you know ovarian and prostate cancers can share genetic links? Mutations in BRCA genes and Lynch syndrome genes, among others, significantly increase lifetime cancer risks, yet most people don't know their status. Discover how early genetic testing can empower you with preventive care and personalized screening options. ‍

A Season for a Health Reset

September brings with it a natural sense of renewal. As we enter fall, we settle into new routines, and some of us gather with family for the High Holidays. It's a traditional time to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. While you’re setting goals for the year ahead, it’s also the perfect moment to think about your long-term health.

September marks both Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. While these might sound like two completely separate health topics, these two types of cancers can actually share inherited genetic links that can affect members of the same family.¹ Knowing your genetic status gives you options and the power to stay one step ahead.‍

The Genetic Link: BRCA and Lynch Syndrome

When most people think of cancer risks, they understandably think of lifestyle,age, or environmental risks. But about 5% to 10% of cancers are hereditary, meaning they're caused by a specific genetic mutation passed down from a biological parent.² Some of the better known hereditary cancer syndromes are Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC), caused by mutations in the BRCA genes, and Lynch syndrome, caused by a separate group of genes.

1. BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes

We all have BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In normal circumstances, these genes work to protect us against cancer by repairing damaged DNA. But when someone inherits a mutation in one of these genes that renders it non-working, their risk for developing certain cancers goes up significantly:²

• Ovarian Cancer: While the general population risk for ovarian cancer is about 1.2%, a BRCA1 mutation raises that lifetime risk to as high as to 58%, and a BRCA2 mutation raises it up to as high as 29%.^1,2
• Prostate Cancer: Men carrying a BRCA2 mutation face up to a 61% risk of developing prostate cancer, often at a younger age or in a more aggressive form. These risks are also elevated for those with a BRCA1 mutation.³ 
• Breast Cancer: Those with BRCA mutations face very significantly elevated risks for breast cancer (including male breast cancer).
• Pancreatic Cancers: Both men and women face elevated risks of developing pancreatic cancer compared with the general population.^2,3

Here’s an important fact: these gene mutations can be inherited from either side of the family. A father can pass a BRCA mutation to his daughter, as well as  a mother t to her son.³

2. Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes. While it is best known for raising the risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers, it also increases the lifetime risk for ovarian, stomach, urinary tract, and less commonly, prostate cancers.^2,4 Just like BRCA variants, Lynch syndrome mutations can be inherited by anyone, regardless of gender.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Hereditary cancer risks affect people of all backgrounds, but your ancestry can play a significant role:

• Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestry: In the general population, about 1 in 400 people carries a BRCA mutation. For individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, that risk jumps tenfold to 1 in 40.^5,6
• Pan-Ethnic Risks: Lynch syndrome and other hereditary cancer markers affect individuals across all ancestral backgrounds equally, making comprehensive genetic testing valuable for everyone, especially those with a family history of the cancers most associated with the syndrome.^2,4

Why Finding Out Now Changes Everything

Learning you have a genetic mutation isn't a diagnosis—it's a roadmap. Knowing your status early gives you and your doctors the power to take action long before cancer has a chance to develop:

• Earlier Screenings: You can start specialized screenings, like breast MRIs or earlier prostate checks, in your 20s or 30s instead of waiting until the ages recommended for the general population.^2,3
• Preventive Options: You gain access to medical interventions and lifestyle planning that significantly lower your risks.²
• Protecting Your Family: Because these mutations run in families, your results can provide life-saving insights for your siblings, children, and other close relatives.³

Testing That Fits Your Life (And Your Budget)

Many people assume genetic testing for cancer is complicated or expensive. Through jscreen, we’ve made getting tested simple and accessible:

• Simple At-Home Kits: No needles or hospital visits. We ship a saliva collection kit right to your door.
• Top-Tier Lab Analysis: We partner with Myriad Genetics to provide  advanced Next-Generation Sequencing to ensure your results are medical-grade and accurate.⁷
• Expert Guidance: You won’t be left to figure out a complex lab report alone. A licensed genetic counselor meets with you virtually to walk through your results and help you plan your next steps.²
• Financial Accessibility: Most patients who use insurance owe nothing further after the $49 upfront fee, which covers the physician order and review.

Taking the First Step This Fall

Awareness months are great reminders, but taking action is what protects your health. Taking control of your hereditary cancer risk this fall gives you clarity, peace of mind, and actionable knowledge for a lifetime.

References

1. National Cancer Institute. The Genetics of Cancer. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.

2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic. Version 3.2024; 2024.

3. Giri, V. N., et al. Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019 Statement. J Clin Oncol. 2020;38(24):2798-2811.

4. NCCN. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal. Version 2.2024; 2024.

5. King, M. C., et al. Genomic challenges in Ashkenazi Jewish populations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation frequencies and lifetime cancer risks. Science. 2003;302(5645):643-646.

6. jscreen Clinical Editorial Board. Understanding Carrier Status: What It Means for Jewish Families. jscreen Educational Publications; 2026.

7. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Standards and Genetic Testing Regulations; 2022.