Lynch Syndrome Diagnosis Spotlights Inherited Cancer Risk
People with a family history of colorectal or endometrial cancer may want to ask their doctor about genetic testing.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Cancer
Former WWE wrestler Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, revealed on her Hot Mom Sh*t podcast that she has been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that raises the risk of several cancers. The disclosure came after abnormal Pap smear results and a follow-up procedure whose results came back clear, a reminder for U.S. readers that inherited cancer risk can be known for years before it is acted on.
Why it matters
Lynch syndrome raises lifetime risk of several cancers, so knowing about it early can shape screening schedules and family planning. Carmella had known for 12 or 13 years that she might have inherited the condition, and she only pursued testing after she and Corey Graves welcomed two children, a pattern many people with a family history share.
This is a single individual's disclosure, not a clinical study, so it cannot establish population-level rates of Lynch syndrome or cancer. It does show how an abnormal Pap smear, a follow-up procedure, and a clear result can unfold for someone with a known inherited risk.
The players
Carmella (Leah Van Dale)
Former WWE wrestler who disclosed her Lynch syndrome diagnosis on her Hot Mom Sh*t podcast.
Corey Graves
Professional wrestling commentator and Carmella's husband, with whom she welcomed two children.
The details
Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that increases the risk of several cancers, most notably colorectal and endometrial cancers. Carmella's mother had endometrial cancer, which led her to suspect an inherited link for well over a decade. After abnormal Pap smear results, doctors performed another procedure to examine the cells more closely, and that follow-up came back clear.
Timeline
March 2023: Carmella last wrestled for WWE.
February 2025: Carmella's WWE contract expired.
Weeks before her podcast episode: Abnormal Pap smear results were received.
Health Landscape
Lynch syndrome is identified primarily through genetic testing when family history suggests inherited cancer risk, and it is one of the most common hereditary causes of colorectal and endometrial cancer. Public figures sharing their diagnoses has become a notable way the condition reaches general awareness.
If you have a family history of colorectal or endometrial cancer, it is worth raising with your doctor whether genetic counseling or Lynch syndrome testing makes sense for you. Keeping track of which relatives had cancer, and at what age, gives your clinician useful information for planning screenings.
The takeaway
Inherited cancer risk such as Lynch syndrome can be known for years before action is taken, so a family history of cancer is a reason to talk with your doctor sooner rather than later. Ask whether genetic counseling is appropriate and make sure your screening plan reflects what you know about your family.
Further reading
Explore more on Cancer to understand screening and hereditary risk in the United States.
