Kristen Bach

Miss Kentucky 2025 Navigates Genetic Cancer Risk with Courage and Grace

Kristen Bach is exactly what you would expect the reigning Miss Kentucky to be: well-spoken, intelligent and determined to make a difference in the world. But behind the scenes of her often-exciting life, she lives with a real — and deeply personal — awareness of cancer risk.

“From a young age, I knew cancer would impact my life,” says Kristen, 30, a Walton, Ky., native. “I avoided genetic testing for years. But now I know that understanding your risk can help you make lifesaving decisions.”

Genetic testing in 2023 revealed Kristen carries two mutations, BRCA1 and CHEK2, that raise her risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Her family history on both sides is filled with loved ones who had these diseases. And now, she’s on a mission to use her story to empower others.

Waiting Until the Time Was Right

Kristen’s maternal grandma died of breast cancer, and a maternal aunt died of ovarian cancer when she was a teenager. Her mother, who carried the BRCA1 gene, opted for a double mastectomy to reduce her risk. Her surviving maternal aunt is a breast cancer survivor.

Cancer looms large on both sides of Kristen’s family. A paternal aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and found to carry CHEK2, a different genetic mutation associated with increased cancer risk.

Kristen wasn’t ready to face her genetic risk of cancer for years. She stayed active — running, playing sports and eating healthily. “I felt like I was too young to worry about my cancer risk,” she says. “Honestly, I just didn’t want to know my fate.”

A few years ago, Kristen’s obstetrician-gynecologist sat her down for a life-changing conversation. “My doctor told me it was time, and I knew she was right,” Kristen says.

The Best of Both Worlds

Dave’s treatment plan included intensive chemotherapy for several weeks. Now, he returns to St. Elizabeth every other month for genetic testing to look for early signs that the cancer has returned. “We used a combination of tried-and-true therapies, blending it with an innovation to make the best of both worlds, to make my survival rate as high as humanly possible,” Dave says.

This commitment to innovation is one of the main reasons Kurian joined St. Elizabeth. “I felt St. Elizabeth was far ahead of many other cancer centers in terms of the technologies and approaches that made our center very unique,” Kurian says. “Our use of molecular testing and other precision medicine tools gives individuals their best chances of defeating and curing their cancer altogether. That’s the future of oncology, and it’s happening right here.”

Tough Decisions Lie Ahead

Kristen met with a genetic counselor at St. Elizabeth Healthcare and got tested the same day. Two weeks later, she learned that she carries both BRCA1 and CHEK2 mutations. Kristen is now on a surveillance plan that includes a mammogram every six months and an annual breast MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging).

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is harder to catch early than breast cancer. Doctors typically diagnose it when women report symptoms such as bloating, fatigue and pelvic pain. Annual blood tests and pelvic exams can help.

For now, Kristen is cancer-free. But she faces emotional decisions about her health in the coming years, especially as she plans her future. One way to eliminate her risk for ovarian cancer, for example, is to have her ovaries removed. Without ovaries, she could no longer consider having biological children.

“I’m getting married next year, so this doesn’t affect only me,” Kristen says.

Kristen could also consider having a double mastectomy to avoid breast cancer, just like her mom did.

Empowering Women Through ‘EmpowHER Health’

Coming to terms with her personal risk for breast and ovarian cancer has been difficult. But Kristen has turned her personal heartache into advocacy. She created the platform “EmpowHER Health” to spread awareness about breast and ovarian cancers, encourage genetic testing and support people facing these cancers.

As part of a recent fundraiser through EmpowHER Health, Kristen organized a donation drive for St. Elizabeth. She collected more than 550 comfort items — such as socks, puzzles and fuzzy blankets — for patients at the Yung Family Cancer Center. She is also organizing a food drive to support the St. Elizabeth cancer patient food pantry.

“I am at St. Elizabeth often for imaging studies, tests and doctor appointments as part of my treatment plan,” Kristen says. “I know from experience that the staff does everything they can to provide reassurance and help people feel at home.”

What Genetic Counseling and Testing Involves

If you have a personal or family history of cancer, you may benefit from genetic testing. Your primary care provider can help you understand your risk for hereditary cancers. If you decide to get tested, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor. The counselor will review your family history and explain the risks, benefits and limits of testing.

At St. Elizabeth, testing is part of the Precision Medicine and Genetics Program, which uses genetic information to guide your healthcare path.

Genetic testing involves a simple blood or saliva test that looks for changes in your genes linked to cancer and other diseases. Results usually take a few weeks. A counselor then walks you through your results and what they mean.

The genetic counselor will share your test results and other information about your genetic profile with your provider. Your provider can use this information to develop a personalized prevention and treatment plan, which may include making lifestyle changes, undergoing more frequent cancer screenings or taking medication.

Genetic Testing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare

St. Elizabeth has provided genetic counseling and testing for over 20 years. A team of genetic counselors, pharmacists and doctors works together to help patients understand their risks and options.

Testing is more affordable than most people think — often under $100 with insurance. And the benefits are far-reaching.

“It’s okay to be scared about genetic testing,” Kristen says. “But remember, this simple test can give you the opportunity to control your health now and in the future.”

To learn more about genetic testing or schedule an appointment, call Precision Medicine and Genetics at St. Elizabeth at (859) 301-GENE (4363). You don’t need a referral.

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Take a virtual tour of the Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth.