Cancer is caused by genetic changes, known as mutations or pathogenic (disease-causing) variants, in a cell. The mutations cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and develop into tumors. The mutations that can lead to cancer occur in genes that normally prevent tumors from growing when functioning properly. These mutations can be acquired throughout a lifetime and are caused by various risk factors including aging, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors.
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There are genetic tests available directly to consumers, with a sample collected at home, that provide a wide range of information from traits to ancestry, and even some health information. These genetic tests may be referred to as consumer-directed, direct-to-consumer or at-home genetic tests.
El siguiente artículo es parte de la serie de blogs de pacientes de la Sociedad Nacional de Asesores en Genética. Escrito por verdaderos pacientes, estas historias dan un vistazo al mundo a veces complicado de la genética y el papel que un asesor en genética puede jugar en ayudar a las personas a na
Have you ever wondered what causes mental illness, or thought about genetic testing for a condition like depression, schizophrenia, OCD, or bipolar disorder? It can be frightening to ask these questions, but the answers are often more reassuring than you might expect.
These are exciting times in the growing field of genetic counseling. While prenatal and preconception and cancer-risk counseling remain our bread and butter, clearly our skills and expertise can benefit infinitely many more people. Genetic counseling is a conversation that leads to action.
When I explain my job as a genetic counselor to family members or people I talk with while traveling, they are always surprised to learn that I meet with patients only one or two times. Some patients may have annual follow-up visits with their genetic counselor and geneticist
If you’ve been reading the news, you know that last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the marketing of 23andMe Personal Genome Service Genetic Health Risk tests for 10 genetic diseases or conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and celiac diseases. What you may not know is
On a recent flight, I sat next to a passenger* who asked what I did for a living. After telling her I am a genetic counselor who specializes in hereditary cancers, the conversation turned into a curbside consult about her family health history. It ended with a big surprise for her.
Why take heredity to heart? It’s simple – heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women, and is highly preventable! It’s also quite common to have a hereditary predisposition to heart disease in your genes.
“Angelina Jolie Effect”: What Should I Know About Hereditary Cancer and Testing?
In 2013, the world was taken by surprise when Angelina Jolie wrote a New York Times piece where she discussed her substantial family history of cancer, her decision to pursue genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2