It is understood that people with Lynch syndrome have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, including bowel cancer.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for issuing authoritative, evidence-based guidance on best practice for the NHS. NICE's guidance supports the rapid and consistent adoption of clinically and cost effective diagnostic tests in the NHS.
NICE published diagnostics guidance in 2017 that recommends that everyone who is diagnosed with colorectal cancer should be tested for Lynch syndrome. NICE concluded that these tests could have substantial benefits for patients and their families. It is encouraging that the new NICE guidance goes even further than the recommendation of the independent Cancer Taskforce, and states that NHS commissioners should ensure that all patients under the age of 50 receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis are offered a genetic test for Lynch syndrome.
The commissioning of these tests lies with local NHS organisations, and they should take NICE's guidance fully into account as they design services to meet the needs of their areas. NICE has also published additional practical information and advice to help NHS organisations to implement its recommendations.