Lynch syndrome, Lifestyle habits and Biomarkers -study
Project description
The Lynch syndrome, lifestyle and biomarkers study examines the role of lifestyle factors—specifically physical activity and nutrition—and blood‑based biomarkers in relation to cancer risk among individuals carrying Lynch syndrome. The research data include questionnaire‑based information and blood samples. From the blood samples, circulating cell‑free non‑coding RNA and a range of metabolic profiles are analysed using sequencing technologies and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Research related to Lynch syndrome is further complemented by the AgeCanLS study, which included laboratory measurements and whose data collection was conducted in 2025–2026. AgeCanLS focuses on the interactions between ageing, the immune system and lifestyle factors. The study comprised a questionnaire survey among a broader participant group as well as an exercise study, during which participants completed, among other assessments, an exercise stress test performed on a cycle ergometer.
The Lynch syndrome research theme is also linked to the separate HoCa study, which recruits women aged 35–50 years who are scheduled to undergo oophorectomy due to Lynch syndrome or other medical indications. In Lynch syndrome, prophylactic removal of the ovaries is a common preventive strategy to reduce ovarian cancer risk. The HoCa study investigates the effects of surgically induced immediate menopause on quality of life, cardiometabolic health, central nervous system functioning and adipose tissue biology. The HoCa study is currently ongoing. For more information, please see the HoCa study page: HoCa.
The research has been funded by:
For FINMMR subproject by State Research Funding allocated by the Eastern Finland Collaborative Area (2025) and by Central Finland Regional Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation (2025, PI-Tiina Jokela)
For HoCa subproject by Novo Nordisk Foundation (2025-2025, PI Eija Laakkonen)
For ExCRC and AgeCanLS subprojects by Relander Foundation (2024 and 2025, PI Tiina Jokela)
For ExCRC subproject by K. Albin Johansson säätiö (2023, PI Tiina Jokela)
For cmiRCan subproject by Mary and Georg C. Ehrnrooth Foundation (2023, PI Tiina Jokela) and by European Comission Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship for Tiina Jokela (2022-2024, host Eija Laakkonen)
For Cancelled Cancer subproject by Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation (2021, PI Eija Laakkonen)
