{"id":133712,"date":"2026-07-01T01:58:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=133712"},"modified":"2026-06-30T10:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T15:24:00","slug":"family-discovers-crucial-information-through-genetic-insights-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2026\/07\/01\/family-discovers-crucial-information-through-genetic-insights-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Family discovers crucial information through Genetic Insights Project"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"panel body-content\"><div class=\"panel__container\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Kristen Vlasak chose to participate in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/genetic-insights-project\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Genetic Insights Project, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Genetic Insights Project<\/a>, a research study by Nebraska Medicine, she didn\u2019t think much of it. With no family history of cancer, she had no reason to worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But when she received her results, everything changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation,\u201d Vlasak says. \u201cI was scared. I was stunned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BRCA2 is a gene mutation that significantly increases the risk of developing certain&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"cancers, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cancers<\/a>. What Vlasak didn\u2019t realize at the time was that her result would trigger a series of tests that uncovered vital information for her entire family.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"panel video-embed\">\r\n\t<div class=\"panel__container\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"feature__media feature__media--full\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"feature__video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tp-g1ZPKsAY\" title=\" Family discovers crucial health information through Genetic Insights Project\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"feature__caption feature__caption--line\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<p>Through the Genetic Insights Project, a research study by Nebraska Medicine, a family discovered a gene mutation that indicates a higher risk of developing certain cancers. They share what this information means for their family, and the preventive measures they are taking to reduce their risk.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"panel body-content\"><div class=\"panel__container\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A family\u2019s discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because genetic mutations can be inherited, Vlasak immediately notified her mother, Carole Hunt, and her sister, Erin Thoman, so they could get&nbsp;screened&nbsp;as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt came out of the blue,\u201d Hunt says. \u201cWe don\u2019t have a significant history of cancer in our family, so it never crossed my mind to even worry about it. It was shocking, and a call to action as far as, what is the next step?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thoman says she went into her screening assuming she probably had the mutation, too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere\u2019s a 50-50 chance that I had the same gene mutation, so I\u2019d rather think I have it and then find out I don\u2019t, rather than thinking I probably don\u2019t have it and find out I truly do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Hunt and Thoman tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Understanding the risks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The BRCA2 gene mutation is linked to four main cancers. The two highest risks are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\/breast-cancer\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"breast cancer, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breast cancer<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\/prostate\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"prostate cancer, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prostate cancer<\/a>, followed by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\/gynecological\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"ovarian, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ovarian<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\/pancreatic\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"pancreatic cancer, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pancreatic cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For women with the BRCA2 mutation, the risk of developing breast cancer jumps to 60% to 65%, compared with about 13% in the general population. The risk for ovarian cancer increases to 30%. For men, the risk of prostate cancer rises to 60%. Pancreatic cancer risk increases from 2% to 10%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Taking action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After receiving their results, all three women met with Nebraska Medicine&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\/services\/genetic-counseling\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"genetic counselors, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">genetic counselors<\/a>&nbsp;through the Genetic Insights Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey were fantastic,\u201d Vlasak says. \u201cThey walked us through our results step by step, looked at our family lineage and walked us through risk factors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vlasak and Thoman chose preventive double&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/cancer\/breast-cancer\/mastectomy\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"mastectomy, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mastectomy<\/a>&nbsp;and removal of their ovaries and fallopian tubes. After surgery, their breast cancer risk drops to less than 10%. That\u2019s lower than the general population\u2019s 13% risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hunt chose a different path for breast cancer monitoring.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe older you get, you can opt instead for more intense monitoring, which are yearly MRIs and mammograms,\u201d she explains. However, she did choose to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why genetic testing matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The family agrees that without the Genetic Insights Project, they would never have pursued genetic testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to partake because of the results that we have,\u201d Vlasak says. \u201cWe can take steps to hopefully prevent cancer and also have that knowledge for our kids.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vlasak has three daughters who will be able to get tested once they turn 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thoman emphasizes another important point: \u201cA lot of people think that it\u2019s just for women because it\u2019s breast cancer, but with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer, it\u2019s important for men to get tested too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The power of early detection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two of the cancers linked to BRCA2, ovarian and pancreatic, can be difficult to detect in early stages. Knowledge about the gene mutation allows for increased monitoring and earlier intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo many times those cancers are found too late,\u201d Hunt says. \u201cWithout the knowledge of the mutation and the Genetic Insights Project, I don\u2019t think I would ever have thought twice about the risk. You don\u2019t want to be blindsided by a cancer that could have been caught early or prevented.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI would much rather know that I have a high risk for developing cancer and take the steps to prevent that,\u201d Thoman says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An easy process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The women say Nebraska Medicine made it extremely easy to participate in the Genetic Insights Project. There is no cost to participate in the research study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;screening&nbsp;process offers two options: A blood draw at a Nebraska Medicine&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/search\/locations?location_category%5B0%5D=Labs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"lab location, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lab location<\/a>, or a convenient at-home saliva or cheek swab&nbsp;kit. Hunt opted for the saliva&nbsp;kit. \u201cIt took 15 minutes for the whole process,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s quick, it\u2019s easy. You get the results in a couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Moving forward together<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the journey has been emotional, the three women have found strength in facing it together. Vlasak says she went through stages of grief after her diagnosis. But having her mother and sister go through the same experience provided unexpected support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think there is power in numbers,\u201d Vlasak says. \u201cI have them to lean on, and vice versa. We can support each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The three have a group text string labeled \u201cBRCA2.\u201d They share updates and support each other through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt would be different if only one of us had the gene,\u201d Hunt says. \u201cFor better or worse, it\u2019s had its positives for our family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to participate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Genetic Insights Project is a research study by Nebraska Medicine available to anyone age 19 or older interested in learning about their genetic cancer risk. To learn more and enroll, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/gip\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"the Genetic Insights Project online, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Genetic Insights Project online<\/a>.\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Personal risks to consider<\/em>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Although the research team will take reasonable precautions to protect your privacy, there remains a risk that your information could be accessed or shared without authorization. Coded data or samples may also be re-identified. Some risks are unknown, particularly as genetic research evolves, and although unlikely, genetic information could be misused or lead to discrimination. Nebraska Medicine must have your permission to use or share health information that identifies you for this research study.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The principal investigator of this study is Douglas Stoller, MD, PhD. Genetic Insights Project, IRB #0645-23-CB. University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982265 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198<\/em><\/p>\n<a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"\/secure-location.php\" style=\"display: none;\" title=\"fQUEpvd bpXVnP fJVPf Z  Wi  SC\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Without Genetic Insights, Kristen Vlasak, her mother and sister wouldn&#8217;t have known they had an increased risk of developing certain cancers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":133711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"69911,63462,40590,59759,65008,93275","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3606],"class_list":["post-133712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-cancer-center-research","topic-research","topic-research-studies","department-fred-pamela-buffett-cancer-center","department-unmc-today-todays-headlines","author_override-ellen-grady-nebraska-medicine"],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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