Menopause + the KRAS-Variant

Menopause + The KRAS-Variant

Recent studies have found continuing estrogen into menopause may help reduce cancer risk for women with the KRAS-variant.7

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Approximately, 75% of women experience symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats, which can last an average of five years.42 Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has long been known as the most effective treatment for these symptoms.

Unfortunately, HRT’s use decreased dramatically after the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative Study reported an association between HRT and worse health outcomes, including increased breast cancer risk.12

However, follow up studies indicated that there were subgroups of women for whom estrogen decreases breast cancer risk. These subgroups remained to be identified, until recently.

A MiraKind study showed that estrogen withdrawal, which occurs after oophorectomy (the removal of both ovaries), with the discontinuation of HRT, or at menopause, appears to increase cancer risk in women with the KRAS-variant.7 These findings indicate continuing estrogen with HRT may be beneficial for women with the KRAS-variant in these settings, if not otherwise contraindicated. It also suggests that KRAS-variant women may be a subgroup who are protected from cancer development through continued estrogen use.

Do you have questions? Learn more about menopause and speak to a menopause specialist OB/GYN or nurse practitioner at gennev.com.

The KRAS-variant is an inherited genetic variant associated with breast cancer,3Β ovarian cancer,2 lung cancer,1 as well as other cancers,5,6 and multiple cancers in the same individual.4,7

Should you get tested for the KRAS-variant?

If you are considering a premenopausal oophorectomy or are peri-menopausal, learning whether you have the KRAS-variant can help you make the important decision about whether or not HRT is right for you.

Learn more about why and how to get tested here.

graphic that states: Hormone Replacement Therapy reduces the risk of cancer for women with the KRAS-variant
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The world of genetics and medicine continues to evolve. Education is one of the foundations of MiraKind. We will provide you regular updates in an easily digestible format.

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Disclaimer

Any discussion of medical management options on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a medical recommendation. All medical management decisions should be made based on consultation between each patient and his or her healthcare professional.

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