Family History of Cancer + the KRAS-Variant
FAMILY HISTORY OF CANCER + THE KRAS-VARIANT
Theย KRAS-variant is a genetic cause for cancer in many families with strong cancer histories.
Theย KRAS-variant is emerging as a hereditary explanation for a significant proportion of familial cancers that were previously unexplained.
Importantly, the KRAS-variant is NOT a KRAS mutation in a cancerous tumor. KRAS mutations in a tumor are not inherited. You can learn more about the difference between the KRAS-variant and KRAS mutations here.
BRCA is the most well-known and commonly tested genetic varitant for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) families. However, BRCA variants are incredibly rare, found in only 0.25% of the population.24
Theย KRAS-variant, in contrast, is found in 6-10% of the population, making it 20x more common than BRCA genetic variants.1
However, unlike BRCA variants, those with the KRAS-variant can reduce their risk by making certain healthcare and lifestyle choices, like taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) from perimenopause on.7
Should you get tested for the KRAS-variant?
If you have a family history of breast, ovarian or lung cancer, learning whether you have the KRAS-variant can help you make the important decision about whether or not HRT is right for you.
Why join a MiraKind research study?
By joining a MiraKind study, you can play a role in helping MiraKind answer some of the most pressing questions associated with cancer risk for individuals with inherited variants like the KRAS-variant.
