Your Good Health: Doctors differ on dietary advice in regard to Lynch syndrome

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a healthy 55-year-old woman who eats well and exercises six to seven times per week. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. My primary care physician suggested testing after my sister died of cancer at the age of 48. All of my siblings have been tested, and each of us has it. Two of my nieces have also tested positive for it.

One doctor told me to eat little to no red meat, follow a Mediterranean-style diet, and exercise. Another told me: “Live your life and eat whatever you want. Lynch Syndrome is hereditary. No matter what you do, you’ll either get cancer, or you won’t!” Among family members, it is expected that half will inherit the Lynch mutation. Your family has been unlucky. I recommend that your other children get tested soon.

I strongly disagree with the doctor who suggested that diet isn’t important. When you are at a higher risk for cancer, it’s more important to have the healthiest lifestyle you can. A Mediterranean-style diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and meat, is likely to reduce your cancer risk, but it is critically important to continue screening.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Your Good Health: Brown semen usually doesn’t present a health concernOne might argue that in absence of symptoms beyond what reader has, treatment may not be necessary
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »

Your Good Health: Woman feels intense side effects with anti-seizure medicationsPsychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are involuntary responses to triggers
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »

Your Good Health: heart patient unable to take meds due to nauseaMy 64-year-old son just returned home after cardiac bypass surgery. The surgery went well, but he has severe pain. His body won’t tolerate any oral painkiller due to nausea and vomiting.
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »

Your Good health: Patient with BPH has pain when ejaculatingPain with ejaculation isn’t normal, but it isn’t rare. An enlarged prostate is a common cause, but there are others, including infection of the prostate.
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »