K-Ras mutation in bowel cancer with secondary liver cancer

Hi Helsey01,

I’m Kirsty one of the cancer information nurse specialists that work on the Macmillan support line.

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.

I understand how difficult it is to hear that due to genetic changes, you may have a higher risk of developing cancer. You don’t mention if this information came as a result of seeing a genetic specialist, or your GP. Asking your GP to refer you for genetic counselling, will allow you to discuss your risk, your family’s, and ways to manage this.

In the above link there is a section titled – Getting the most out of your meeting, which lists suggested questions that you might want to ask.

A cancer consultant can determine if you are eligible for a cancer research trial or any other cancer treatment. You would need to have been diagnosed with cancer and be under their care.

There may be risk reducing treatments open to you, which depend on the type of faulty gene and the type of cancer that you are at a higher risk from. To better understand what your options are, please do discuss these with your GP or genetic counsellor.

It is important to remember that even if assessed as having a higher risk, this does not mean that you will develop cancer.

I appreciate that you now find yourself worrying about cancer, which can be exhausting. I hope that by asking more questions, you will get the reassurance you need. This will allow you to feel more in control and less anxious about next steps.

Take care,

Kirsty, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/DW