LYNCH SYNDROME: MOLECULAR MUTATIONS AND HEALTH IMPACTS

Abstract

The genetic healthcare field has advanced significantly in the past few decades. However, the overall understanding of recent genetic discoveries is minimal. It can be hard for the general public to comprehend complex technological advances, especially in the genetic field. As such, I decided to research and complete a literature review on Lynch syndrome, a hereditary genetic condition that increases an individual’s risk for cancer. Following the review, I created and presented a lecture geared toward the general public describing my findings and applying them to the future of medicine. Finally, I designed and conducted a pre- and post-lecture survey to measure the extent to which the audience understood and retained information surrounding Lynch syndrome and genetic counseling. My goal was to understand the general public’s level of knowledge of genetic counseling and Lynch syndrome before and after an hour-long presentation. After attending this presentation, audience members had a better understanding of Lynch syndrome and genetic counseling, resulting in adjusted personal opinions about receiving genetic counseling and referrals to friends. As the frontier of genetic medicine and healthcare continues to develop, my thesis serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing genetic advances with the general public.