A Little Introduction
Hello from the K.I.C.K. Sisters!
We are so glad you're here! KICK has successfully funded genetic testing for over 300 individuals nationwide, all of whom proactively pursue genetic counseling for their hereditary cancer risk. With each passing month, the count of individuals undergoing testing continues to grow.
What We Do
Educate, Empower & Fund
Unlocking Hope: educating, empowering, and funding genetic testing for early detection and prevention of hereditary cancer
Educate
- Genetic mutations can be passed from either the mother or father, even when the cancer is a predominantly female cancer.
- All men and women have specific genes whose job is to fight off cancer. When there is a mutation on one of these genes, the risk for cancer increases.
- There are a number of genetic mutations that are associated with an increased prevalence of cancer. The most well known is the BRCA genetic mutation. 10-20% of ovarian cancer and 6% of breast cancer diagnoses are caused by inheritable BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
- Of those with a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, there is an 80-90% risk of developing breast cancer
- There is a 55-60% risk of developing ovarian cancer for those with the BRCA1 mutation, and 20-30% risk for those with the BRCA2 mutation
Empower
- Only 17% of eligible US men and women have undergone genetic testing.
- Knowledge is power. When there is a hereditary cancer within a family and genetic testing is completed, those who test positive can be proactive in taking steps to reduce their cancer risk or detect it at an early stage.
- When someone in the family tests positive, other family members can then make an informed decision on whether or not they should consider testing. Alternatively, families experience a sense of peace when genetic testing is negative for these types of mutations.
- Knowing if there is a genetic cause for those with a cancer diagnosis can often guide their treatment by identifying other cancer risks as well.
Fund
- The cost of genetic testing has decreased in the last 5 years
- Many insurance carriers will cover cancer genetic testing and genetic counseling if the individual has a personal or significant family history of cancer. However, the out-of-pocket costs differ by type of insurance, regardless of history.
- K.I.C.K. works closely with genetic counselors across the country, who contact us when they have a patient who is in need of financial assistance to cover the cost of genetic testing.
- To date, K.I.C.K. has been able to fund testing for over 300 people in 48 states, thanks to our generous donors. With each passing month, the count of individuals undergoing testing continues to grow.
Assess your lifetime risk of cancer NOW!
Our Mission
KICK is dedicated to empowering, educating and providing funding for those with a personal or family history of cancer to seek genetic counseling and testing.
We would LOVE to help!
Contact Us
Statistics
Numbers Speak
Volumes
0+
BRCA tests completed and paid for
0
U.S. States - where individuals have been tested
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requests from genetic counselors every month
$0+
donated to genetic testing
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a history of cancer but I don’t have any kids. Why should I be tested?
It’s important that your entire family is aware of genetic mutations that may increase the likelihood of certain cancers. If you do not have children of your own, your siblings, nieces, nephews, parents, cousins, etc. could be affected by a genetic mutation. Once identified, preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer throughout the family.
There is cancer in my family but it’s only on my father’s side. Am I still at risk for hereditary cancer?
A genetic mutation can come from your mother or father, regardless of the type of cancer. When a parent, including your father, has a mutation, there is a 50% chance of passing that same mutation to his children.
Is all cancer hereditary?
The vast majority of cancers are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These are known as "sporadic cancers." Environmental factors such as tobacco use, exposure to certain chemicals, diet, physical activity, and sun exposure can greatly influence a person's risk of developing cancer. The overall percentage of people with cancer due to genetic mutations can vary widely depending on the type of cancer and the specific genetic mutations being considered. However, it's generally estimated that a relatively small proportion of cancers are directly caused by inherited genetic mutations.Estimates suggest that around 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary, meaning they are caused by inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing cancer.
Will my health insurance cover genetic testing?
Many insurance carriers will cover the cost of genetic counseling and testing if there is a personal or family history of cancer. However, coverage varies on a case by case basis.
If my health insurance learns I have a genetic mutation, can they increase my deductibles or deny me coverage?
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was signed into law on May 21, 2008. Under this law, health insurances cannot change or deny your coverage based on findings from genetic testing. However, GINA does not apply to the Tricare military health system, the Indian Health Service or employees of the federal government.
Should I be tested if I already have cancer?
Yes. KICK believes that knowledge is power and results of genetic counseling and testing can assist the medical team on determining the proper course of action to treat your cancer. In addition, knowing if there is a genetic component to your cancer is beneficial for all members of your family in taking measures to prevent cancer in the future.
Is it true that the Jewish population is at higher risk?
Yes. Gene mutations are more common in Jewish people of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) than in other people. For example, among Ashkenazi Jewish men and women, about 1 in 40 have a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation. Among women diagnosed with breast cancer at any age, approximately 1 in 50 have the BRCA 1 or 2, as compared with the Ashenazi Jewish population in which 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer at any age have the BRCA1 mutation. For males diagnosed with breast cancer, approximately 1 in 20 have the mutation in the general population, and 1 in 5 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Is BRCA the only genetic mutation?
No. It is the most well known mutation, but there are many others that increase the risk for cancer. Each genetic mutation carries its own risk for different types of cancers.
If I am a man with a genetic mutation, do I really need to worry about cancer?
Yes. Having a genetic mutation elevates one’s cancer risk, independent of the person’s sex. While some hereditary cancer syndromes are more commonly associated with increased risks in women, such as breast and ovarian cancers, genetic mutations can also significantly impact cancer risk in men. This includes cancers such as prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, and many more.
Is genetic counseling necessary?
Yes. Genetic counselors are experts in their field and genetic counseling is highly recommended before and after genetic testing. They provide valuable guidance, help interpret results, and assist with decision-making.
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