A simple saliva test could help families avoid cancer. So why aren't more people getting it?

Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that raises cancer risk, often goes undetected until cancer is diagnosed, according to a Business Insider report. Bryce Ramsey, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 33, learned she had Lynch syndrome, which increased her lifetime risk of colorectal cancer by up to 56% and posed higher risks for other cancers. Ramsey's family, including her father, brother, and aunt, also tested positive for Lynch syndrome after her diagnosis.

The test for Lynch syndrome is quick, affordable, and non-invasive, typically involving a saliva test, cheek swab, or blood test. Despite its simplicity, it remains underutilized. Approximately 1 in 279 Americans, or 1.2 million people, have Lynch syndrome, yet experts say 95% of them remain unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness contributes to the rising rates of colon, breast, uterine, and pancreatic cancers among younger individuals, with colon cancer being a leading cause of death for adults under 50.

Health experts believe that early Lynch syndrome testing could significantly reduce cancer risk by enabling early screenings and preventive measures. Heather Hampel, a professor specializing in clinical cancer genomics and Lynch syndrome, emphasizes that broader Lynch syndrome testing could identify individuals with elevated cancer risks and inform their family members, potentially saving lives.

Some health systems are now expanding Lynch syndrome testing to the broader population, but Hampel notes that lowering overall cancer rates remains a complex challenge, as factors like lifestyle choices and genetics are intertwined.