Direct-to-consumer genetic tests – kits you buy in a drug store or online and involve mailing a saliva sample – have been around for about 10 years, and they are getting more and more attention. While taking the test is simple, understanding the results and living with the knowledge genetic testing brings is not. Are these tests right for you?
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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
This webinar provides an overview of cancer and genetics, explores how family health history may impact cancer risk and provides information about how you and other members of your family can assess your cancer risk.
Be a “Know-It-All” About Your Breast Cancer RiskBy Mary Freivogel, MS, CGC Messages about breast cancer screening are conflicting and confusing. Can I wait until age 50? Every year or every other year? Professional organizations have differing opinions, but many continue to recommend annual
I Want to See a Genetic Counselor – How Do I Make That Happen? Imagine that a close female relative has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Or, maybe you’re pregnant and your doctor has ordered genetic tests but you don’t really understand why.
I Want to See a Genetic Counselor – How Do I Make That Happen?
If you are worried about your mental health or that of one of your family members, you are not alone. You may be concerned that you have inherited a mental health condition — such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, an autism spectrum disorder or alcoholism. Or you may worry about passing on a genetic mutation for a mental health condition to your children.
As a prenatal genetic counselor, I help women and families navigate through the testing process including the critical – but often skipped – step of pre-test counseling. For all moms-to-be undergoing prenatal screening, my number one piece of advice is: be your own advocate.