Is Lynch syndrome passed down in families?

Yes. Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition. It is caused by a gene change that is present in every cell of the body from birth, so a parent can pass it to a child.

That is why, according to the National Cancer Institute, the condition and its related cancers can appear across several relatives. A family pattern of colorectal and endometrial cancer, especially at younger ages, is one of the clues that an inherited condition like Lynch syndrome may be present.

Not every relative inherits the change — some do and some do not. Genetic testing, usually from a blood or saliva sample, can clarify whether a specific person carries it. When possible, testing often begins with a relative who has had cancer, because that gives the clearest information for the whole family.