What happened, in summary

Alejandro Mirazo joined the Mayo Clinic Tapestry DNA Sequencing Research Study in 2021 to contribute to research on genetics and health. He expected to help science, but the study also changed his own care. Genetic sequencing raised concern for Lynch syndrome, and clinical testing confirmed the inherited condition in December 2021.

Because Lynch syndrome increases colon-cancer risk, Alejandro underwent a colonoscopy. It found early-stage colon cancer even though he felt healthy and had not noticed symptoms. His care team performed additional testing to check that the cancer had not spread beyond the colon.

On March 2, 2022, Alejandro underwent a colon resection. The operation lasted about 4 hours. He left the hospital the next day, had pain mainly during the first 3 or 4 days, and returned to work within 5 days. To reduce the chance of recurrence, his oncologist recommended 4 cycles of chemotherapy. By May 2022, he had completed the first cycle and reported mainly mild fatigue.

The diagnosis also prompted genetic testing discussions across his family. Alejandro became an advocate for wider access to genetic testing and clinical research, especially for communities with limited awareness or access.