Posted 3 weeks ago
A Genetic Counselors Guide to Sharing Genetic Test Results with Relatives
If you have had genetic testing and been diagnosed with a hereditary predisposition to cancer, you may be…
Posted 3 weeks ago
If you have had genetic testing and been diagnosed with a hereditary predisposition to cancer, you may be…
Posted 2 months ago
The Virtual Lunch & Learn ” What does it mean to be a carrier for an autosomal…
Posted 2 months ago
On average, a woman has a 1 in 8 chance to develop breast cancer in her lifetime and…
Posted 6 months ago
I get this question a lot when I tell someone what I do for a living. Some people’s…
Posted 7 months ago
Cancer, a scary word often spoken in hushed tones, is a disease that many are all too familiar…
Posted 7 months ago
Your genetic test result may not have identified an inherited genetic explanation for your personal or family history…
Posted 9 months ago
In 2008, after over a decade of work by lawmakers, patients, and science advocacy groups, President George W….
Posted 10 months ago
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In light of this month, we want to raise awareness for how…
Posted 11 months ago
Normally, we are born with two working copies of these cancer protection genes in each cell (as pictured below). It is normal for cells to divide and multiply, and sometimes certain genes acquire mutations along the way. Acquired mutations can happen due to a variety of reasons (both in and out of our control) that may include environmental exposures, certain infections, normal aging, and lifestyle factors (diet, activity level, tobacco use, alcohol use, sun exposure, etc.).
Posted 11 months ago
Finding out you tested positive for a gene mutation associated with an inherited risk for cancer can lead to experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, or in some cases, even peace as it may provide clarity. Amidst the whirlwind of feelings running through your head, you think “who needs to know about this result?” and “what do I say?”. Because your result is indicative of a hereditary cancer risk, sharing your positive test result with family members is one of the most impactful things you can do. However, sometimes this is easier said than done.
Posted 1 year ago
It’s breast cancer awareness month, and with that comes an opportunity to provide education and recognition about the…
Posted 1 year ago
When you decide to pursue hereditary cancer genetic testing, you probably expect a straightforward yes or no answer:…
Posted 2 years ago
Over the years, the BRCA1/2 genes, which are genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, have…
Posted 2 years ago
It is near impossible to turn on the TV without seeing ads from companies wanting to use your DNA to provide information about your ancestry, long lost relatives, and even certain health or personal traits. But how do these direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests differ from what your doctor or genetic counselor may order? If you want to know more about your possible inherited disease risk, why make a trip into the clinic when you can just order the test online yourself, right? Well there are some important things to consider before ordering that test.
Posted 2 years ago
Often parents find the prospect of speaking to their children about the presence of the BRCA gene…
Posted 2 years ago
Here’s a shocking truth: About 40 – 50% of Americans who live to the age of 65 will…
Posted 3 years ago
Families share many traits – such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. This in turn can lead to clues…
Posted 3 years ago
What made you decide to pursue Genetic Counseling as your career? I explored many different majors during undergrad…
Posted 3 years ago
February 28th, 2021 is rare disease day; a day dedicated to raising awareness about rare diseases and their…
Posted 3 years ago
This past November 12th marked the fourth annual Genetic Counselor Awareness Day. If you ask any genetic counselor…
Posted 3 years ago
Pancreatic cancer has quietly become the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the…
Posted 3 years ago
On average, a woman has a 1 in 8 chance to develop breast cancer in her lifetime and…
Posted 4 years ago
National DNA Day is April, 25, 2020. It commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003…
Posted 4 years ago
Lynch Syndrome (LS) causes an increased risk for colorectal cancer and other types of cancers. It is a…
Posted 4 years ago
How Genome Editing Technology is Being Used to Fight Human Disease Genetics is arguably one of the fastest…
Posted 5 years ago
Genetics is the field of science that looks at how traits (such as eye color) are passed down…
Posted 6 years ago
Advertisements for genetic testing kits are everywhere you look lately. The appeal is easy to understand. Who doesn’t…