Lynch Syndrome in the Asian American Population: A Review of the Literature

This paper aims to describe what is currently known about Lynch syndrome within Asian American populations. According to data collected by the US Census, as of 2022, 24.7 million people of Asian descent live in the United States. Cancer is the leading cause of death within this population, and as a result, it is crucial to identify ways that cancer can be identified at earlier and more treatable stages. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis within the Asian American population, with an incidence of 37.1 per 100,000 Asian American men and 26.5 per 100,000 Asian American women. Lynch syndrome, the most common hereditary cause of colorectal cancer, has been incompletely described in this diverse population. This review addresses the available literature on the prevalence of Lynch syndrome in Asian American and Asian populations and differences in the manifestations of this syndrome between and within these populations, as well as in comparison to the non-Hispanic white population. Based on these differences, variances in screening rates, outcomes, and management strategies with respect to Asian ethnicity are also explored. Potential barriers to optimal management of Lynch syndrome in Asian American populations, with particular consideration of primary language and degree of cultural assimilation, are assessed. Future directions for research and recommendations to help address disparities or differences to optimize care for this group are also described.