Alive and Kick’n: David Dubin on Lynch Syndrome, Advocacy, and Moving Forward

This episode kicks off a five-part series on living with Lynch syndrome, released in recognition of Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day on March 22.

When host Sara Kavanaugh was first diagnosed with hereditary cancer mutations, including Lynch syndrome, there were few voices sharing what life with inherited cancer risk actually looked like.

One of the first organizations she discovered was AliveandKick’n. What stood out immediately wasn’t just the information they shared, it was how they shared it: honest, approachable, and grounded in the idea that living with Lynch syndrome doesn’t have to mean living in fear.

In this episode, Sara speaks with David Dubin, Lynch syndrome survivor, longtime advocate, and co-founder of AliveandKick’n. David shares the story behind his own cancer diagnosis, what it meant to discover his condition was hereditary, and how he and his wife Robin turned that experience into a patient-led organization supporting individuals and families navigating Lynch syndrome.

Together they discuss the importance of understanding family history, advances in Lynch syndrome research and treatment, and why awareness still matters, especially as we approach Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day on March 22.

In This Episode

• David’s colorectal cancer diagnosis at age 29
• Discovering Lynch syndrome after a second cancer diagnosis
• Navigating genetic risk within a family
• Why knowledge and genetic testing can be empowering
• The founding of AliveandKick’n
• The impact of community and patient advocacy
• The Living with Lynch workshop program
• Advances in Lynch syndrome research including immunotherapy and microsatellite instability
• What newly diagnosed patients should know
• Why awareness of family cancer history still matters

Key Takeaway: “It’s not a death sentence. The more you know, the better your opportunity is to treat it and live a long, productive life.” — David Dubin

Resources & Links

• AliveandKick’n Website: https://aliveandkickn.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliveandkickn/
• AliveandKick’n Podcast: https://www.aliveandkickn.org/podcast-1
• Living with Lynch 2026 Workshops https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiWL0_UNTGxIeB3whge4S4jwKn8I-yYuhYRKfc7I8tpaGjcQ/viewform
• Living with Lynch Patient Videos: https://www.aliveandkickn.org/living-with-lynch-videos
• Lynch Syndrome Information: https://www.aliveandkickn.org/what-is-lynch-syndrome-1
• Colon Cancer Coalition: https://coloncancercoalition.org/
• Get Your Rear in Gear Races: https://coloncancercoalition.org/get-involved/participate/get-your-rear-in-gear/

IMPORTANT: This episode is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance.