#57 Georgia Hurst on Lynch Syndrome

Patient advocate, Georgia Hurst, shares about the hereditary cancer syndrome that she has, Lynch syndrome. It is an inherited disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon and rectum, and the reproductive organs in woman depending on which of the five Lynch syndrome mutations they hold.

Georgia shares about her journey with Lynch syndrome from genetic counseling and genetic testing to find her mutation to risk reducing surgeries and how it has altered her life. New research and treatments in the hereditary cancer syndrome community is also mentioned. 

Genetic counselors are important in guiding patients through genetic testing. Genetic counselors are valuable resources for helping patient learn about what hereditary cancer syndromes they may have and information for risk reducing surgeries. We highlight the difference between people practicing genetic counseling and certified genetic counselors.

Georgia Hurst is a Lynch Syndrome Advocate, with her roles as Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit, IHaveLynchSyndrome.com, a fantastic resource for people to learn about Lynch syndrome and read personal blog posts by Georgia on her experiences. Georgia has Lynch syndrome which is an inherited disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon and rectum, and the reproductive organs in woman depending on which of the five Lynch syndrome mutations they hold. She is a stakeholder in the National Academy of Sciences: Genomics and Population Health Action Collaborative. Her mission is to educate doctors and the public around the globe about Lynch syndrome.