Navigating the Game of Life
- Gamer and former Playmate Pamela Horton, 34, has had many unfortunate health issues and is hoping her latest scare is nothing serious as she suffers from stomach pain and awaits results of three biopsies.
- The cervical cancer survivor has a hereditary condition called Lynch Syndrome, which means she may need to take stomach issues more serious than most, as it puts you at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.
- Lynch Syndrome can be passed down from either parent, and if you have it, you have up to 80 percent chance of developing colon cancer in your lifetime.
The cervical cancer survivor (whose details are unclear) has a hereditary condition called Lynch Syndrome, which means she may need to take stomach issues more serious than most, as it puts you at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.
Read More“Let's hope they're regular shenanigans and not cancer shenanigans….shenanigans,” the Los Angeles-based streamer added.
Recovery is going well, thank you for asking.
Waiting for pathology on 3 biopsies! My poop shoot is clear but there's some shenanigans happening in my tumtum. Let's hope they're regular shenanigans and not cancer shenanigans….shenanigans. pic.twitter.com/P48xN7tTzi
Pamela Horton (@PamelaHorton13) July 29, 2022
Many cancer survivorsand pretty much anyone who has had a scan or scare of any typewill experience some level of “scanxiety” as you await test results. It’s best to try to keep busy with work, family, and/or heathy activities to keep any negative thoughts at bay. Try not to worry until you find out there’s something to worry about. Easier said than done, especially for people who have gone through it, but there is no need in working yourself up until you hear results from your doctor.
“When you've had cancer and you're given the all clear, you feel as though you've braved the surprise storm and it's clear and sunny skies from here on out,” she wrote in 2018 Facebook post. “Having a cancer syndrome means knowing that there will be more storms.”
“But the good news about expecting storms is you can prepare for them,” she continued. “You can look for the signs, check the forecast. I'm visiting my meteorologist today.”
Although the former October 2012 “Playmate of the Month” is preparing for more potential storms, we’re hoping it’s more of a rain shower and that she’ll be seeing her rainbow very soon.
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No matter what, staying cautiously optimistic is best in Pamela’s case. Sure, the reality of her condition is that she may face more tough health struggles, but we’re hoping that this is just a scare and that her stomach pains are simply from a secondary condition. Regardless, staying on top of your health, whether you’re a survivor or not, is always key for the most optimal situation.
Learning More About Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome, which is also called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited syndrome that increases a person's risk of developing certain types of cancer including colorectal cancer. Most colorectal cancers in people with Lynch syndrome develop before a person reaches the age of 50, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). By using genetic testing to identify whether or not you have Lynch syndrome, you can take proactive measures for your health.
‘I Learned to Not be Afraid’ Survivor Shannon Masur Took on Cancer and Lynch Syndrome
According to the ACS, Lynch syndrome also leads to a high risk of developing endometrial cancer, along with cancers of the ovary, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, kidney, brain, ureters and bile duct. The ACS explains that this syndrome can be caused by a mutation in any of several mismatch repair (MMR) genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS1, and PMS2 (which Pamela has).
"These genes are normally involved in repairing damaged DNA. When one of these genes isn't working, cells can develop mistakes in their DNA, which might lead to other gene mutations and eventually cancer," says the ACS.
Dr. Ophira Ginsburg, a medical oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, says in an earlier interview, "About 20% of people with colon cancer have a family history, and about half of those, we know the risks are based on specific genes. Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of that small piece of the pie."
Inherited Genetic Disorders in Colon Cancer: Lynch Syndrome
"It's very important to ask your health care provider if you might have Lynch syndrome, and if you can see a genetic counselor to discuss it further. In fact, there are a number of genes involved in Lynch syndrome. What is it really? It's sometimes referred to as hereditary colon cancer, but that doesn't really quite cover it. It includes an increased risk to colon cancer, rectal cancer, uterine or endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and a range of other cancers as well."
How Do I Know if I Have Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch Syndrome can be passed down from either parent, and if you have it, you have up to 80 percent chance of developing colon cancer in your lifetime. These are some of the factors doctors look out for:
- If you are diagnosed with colon or endometrial cancer before the age of 50
- Three relatives that have colon cancer
- Two consecutive generations with colon cancer (for instance, your mother and your grandmother on your mother's side)
- One of these relatives is diagnosed before the age of 50
In the past, Pamela has typically been more private about her health, but has disclosed that her family has a history of ovarian, colon, and breast cancers, and is getting more comfortable sharing as it makes thousands aware of these types of mutations and what you may be at risk for with your own genetics..
Learn your family history, ask questions, and convey this information to your doctor so that they know what type of genetic testing may be best for you.
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