Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

What can I do to manage my increased risk of tumours and cancers?

Screening for LFS from birth

Unnecessary radiation exposure for screening or therapeutic purposes should be avoided where possible.

• General assessments
  • Regular physical examinations
  • Full neurological assessments
  • Early reporting of symptoms
• Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)
  • Ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis
  • Additional blood tests may be recommended
• Soft tissue and bone sarcoma
  • Ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis
    
  • Whole-body MRI
• Brain tumour
  • Brain MRI

Screening for LFS from the age of 18 onwards

• Breast cancer
  • Breast awareness and self-examination
  • Clinical breast examination
  • Breast MRI
  • Consider hormone therapy (tamoxifen/raloxifene)
• Melanoma
  • Dermatological examination
• Gastric/colorectal cancer
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy

Your managing doctor(s) will discuss screening recommendations with you in greater detail, which may be tailored based on your medical history. The age and onset of screening may depend on your personal and/or family history of the condition. Screening guidelines may change as more information is known.

Risk-reducing surgery

In some cases, individuals can consider interventions such as surgery to reduce their risk of cancer.

• Breast cancer
  • Bilateral mastectomy: Surgery to remove breast tissue (greatest benefit when performed under the age of 40)

This will be discussed in detail with you by your managing doctor(s). The surgery may reduce the risk of cancer significantly, but does not remove the risk completely.

Lifestyle adjustments

• Avoid smoking
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Keep a healthy diet and active lifestyle
• Avoid sun exposure and practise sun-smart behaviour such as using sunscreen