denadna
Dena Goldberg, MS, CGC
586Following55.1KFollowers418.8KLikes
Genetic Counselor spreading 🧬 awareness & making it more accessible to all
Videos
Liked
Playlists
Videos
Consanguinity is being descended from a common #ancestor . In genetics, a consanguineous marriage is defined as a union between 2 individuals who are second cousins or closer.
The #Targaryen family from #GameofThrones & #HouseoftheDragon is a strong example. #Consanguinity is actually quite common & practiced worldwide today. It’s a “deeply rooted social trend among one-fifth of the world population mostly residing in the Middle East, West Asia & North Africa, as well as among emigrants from these communities now residing in North America, Europe and Australia.” (Hamamy 2011)
The #Targaryen family from #GameofThrones & #HouseoftheDragon is a strong example. #Consanguinity is actually quite common & practiced worldwide today. It’s a “deeply rooted social trend among one-fifth of the world population mostly residing in the Middle East, West Asia & North Africa, as well as among emigrants from these communities now residing in North America, Europe and Australia.” (Hamamy 2011)
Don’t be told NO, be your own #advocate . If you have a personal history of #breastcancer & have not had #genetictesting , you can have this discussion with your doctor or come see a #geneticcounselor #cancerrisk #canceradvocate #selfadvocate #patientadvocate #breastcancersuvivor #cancersurvivor #cancerwarrior
🚨Persistent cough? 🚨Chronic lung issues? 🚨Out of breath? 🌬️ Let's talk about it! 💬
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that blocks airflow and makes breathing difficult. 🫁
It’s a common misconception that COPD is only a smoker's disease- but a genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency can also lead to COPD, even in non-smokers! 🧬
Getting tested for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is pretty straightforward. Here's how you can do it:
1. 🩺 Talk to Your Doctor: First step is to have a chat with your healthcare provider. Explain your symptoms and concerns. If they think it's necessary, they'll order a test for AATD.
2. 🩸 Blood Test: The most common way to test for AATD is through a blood test. This test checks the level of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in your blood
3. 🧬 Genetic Testing: Sometimes, a genetic test might be recommended. This test looks for specific genes known to cause AATD.
4. 📞 Follow-Up: Depending on your test results, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, like a pulmonologist or hepatologist, for further evaluation and management.
#Alpha1AwarenessMonth #Alpha1 #Alpha1Testing #COPD #AATD #LungHealth #COPDAwareness #BreatheEasy #HealthTalk #Alpha1Awareness #TakeChargeOfYourHealth #CoughingConcerns #RespiratoryHealth #NotJustSmokers #geneticsmatter
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that blocks airflow and makes breathing difficult. 🫁
It’s a common misconception that COPD is only a smoker's disease- but a genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency can also lead to COPD, even in non-smokers! 🧬
Getting tested for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is pretty straightforward. Here's how you can do it:
1. 🩺 Talk to Your Doctor: First step is to have a chat with your healthcare provider. Explain your symptoms and concerns. If they think it's necessary, they'll order a test for AATD.
2. 🩸 Blood Test: The most common way to test for AATD is through a blood test. This test checks the level of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in your blood
3. 🧬 Genetic Testing: Sometimes, a genetic test might be recommended. This test looks for specific genes known to cause AATD.
4. 📞 Follow-Up: Depending on your test results, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, like a pulmonologist or hepatologist, for further evaluation and management.
#Alpha1AwarenessMonth #Alpha1 #Alpha1Testing #COPD #AATD #LungHealth #COPDAwareness #BreatheEasy #HealthTalk #Alpha1Awareness #TakeChargeOfYourHealth #CoughingConcerns #RespiratoryHealth #NotJustSmokers #geneticsmatter
With the @SADS Foundation , let’s break down why knowing your specific genetic variant (mutation) is key:
👩⚕️ Right Treatment: Tailor-made care just for you
👨👩👧👦 Family Checks: Helps us understand the risk to your loved ones
🔬 Research Boost: Join studies that make a difference
Researchers need this information to:
📚 Understand Disease: How it starts and progresses
💊 Develop Treatments: Create better ways to treat & beat it
Gene therapy? It's all about targeting:
🎯 Specific Mutations: Treatments that hit the health issue right where it starts
Get the right info, get the right care, and power up the science to beat genetic heart conditions. Dive in deeper at StopSADS.org.
#DecodeYourGenes #SADSFoundation #HealthTok #GeneTherapy
👩⚕️ Right Treatment: Tailor-made care just for you
👨👩👧👦 Family Checks: Helps us understand the risk to your loved ones
🔬 Research Boost: Join studies that make a difference
Researchers need this information to:
📚 Understand Disease: How it starts and progresses
💊 Develop Treatments: Create better ways to treat & beat it
Gene therapy? It's all about targeting:
🎯 Specific Mutations: Treatments that hit the health issue right where it starts
Get the right info, get the right care, and power up the science to beat genetic heart conditions. Dive in deeper at StopSADS.org.
#DecodeYourGenes #SADSFoundation #HealthTok #GeneTherapy
We know family history is one of the strongest predictors of future disease risk, but why does it feel so awkward to ask your family these questions?
Our family relationships are all so different, and health information can feel uncomfortable to talk about. Here are some tips to make this conversation a little less awkward.
As you gather with your loved ones, remember the best time to record this crucial information is now.
Happy thanksgiving 🦃🍁
#familyhistory #familyhistorymatters #familyhealthhistory #familyhealth #healthhistory #genetics #geneticcounselor #geneticcounseling #familyhistorian #thanksgiving #familygathering
Our family relationships are all so different, and health information can feel uncomfortable to talk about. Here are some tips to make this conversation a little less awkward.
As you gather with your loved ones, remember the best time to record this crucial information is now.
Happy thanksgiving 🦃🍁
#familyhistory #familyhistorymatters #familyhealthhistory #familyhealth #healthhistory #genetics #geneticcounselor #geneticcounseling #familyhistorian #thanksgiving #familygathering
📋This year I’ve created a 2-page PDF guide for you to get the conversation started. Go to DenaDNA.com and click on freebies or click the link in my bio.
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and in 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General declared it as National Family History Day as well. Since this is a time we tend to gather with family, it provides a great opportunity to collect your own family health history information.
Here’s what information you should collect and record:
Ask about each relative including children, siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, and cousins, living and deceased.
For each of these relatives, record
* Current age or age they passed away
* If deceased, record the cause of death
* Any current or past health issues & the age each health issue started/was found (sample issues provided in video)
* Any birth defects, learning problems, autism, mental illness
* Any physical traits that seem different from the rest of the family
* General lifestyle information (tobacco & alcohol use, exposure to harmful substances, etc)
* Any pregnancy losses
* Ancestry background
* Any previous genetic testing results
Share this information with your doctor or a genetic counselor to discuss your personal risk for disease and enjoy your time with family and friends!
#familyhealth #familyhealthhistory #familyhistory #diseaserisk #thanksgiving #thanksgivinggathering #familygathering #familytime #familytalk #geneticcounseling #geneticdisease #nationalfamilyhealthhistoryday #nationalfamilyhistoryday
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and in 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General declared it as National Family History Day as well. Since this is a time we tend to gather with family, it provides a great opportunity to collect your own family health history information.
Here’s what information you should collect and record:
Ask about each relative including children, siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, and cousins, living and deceased.
For each of these relatives, record
* Current age or age they passed away
* If deceased, record the cause of death
* Any current or past health issues & the age each health issue started/was found (sample issues provided in video)
* Any birth defects, learning problems, autism, mental illness
* Any physical traits that seem different from the rest of the family
* General lifestyle information (tobacco & alcohol use, exposure to harmful substances, etc)
* Any pregnancy losses
* Ancestry background
* Any previous genetic testing results
Share this information with your doctor or a genetic counselor to discuss your personal risk for disease and enjoy your time with family and friends!
#familyhealth #familyhealthhistory #familyhistory #diseaserisk #thanksgiving #thanksgivinggathering #familygathering #familytime #familytalk #geneticcounseling #geneticdisease #nationalfamilyhealthhistoryday #nationalfamilyhistoryday
“What if I told you that the single most important source of information about your future health and your risk of illness, and that of your parents and children, was readily available, provided a window into your genome, was free, and required only an hour or so to collect? It’s our family health history.” -Francis Collins
It’s true, since many diseases are multifactorial, we often use information about your family members’ health history to calculate your risk of disease. Genetic testing can only go so far in predicting future health risk. Without this other information, you aren’t getting a complete picture.
For example, if your parent had colon cancer at age 45, but no genetic change (mutation) was found, we would recommend you start colonoscopy screening at 35 given the family history, and it would be covered by insurance. If you did a genetic test without talking to a specialist, you may not know this.
Of course this isn’t always possible. We know that not all families communicate this information and those who were donor-conceived or adopted may not have any family history information. There are genetic tests now that test for many of the common hereditary conditions that are wonderful for those with no family history information. I love seeing this patients in my clinic! DM me and follow along for more information on these tests coming later this week.
#preventivemedicine #preventivehealth #proactivehealth #preventativecare #familyhistory #familyhealthhistory #familyhealth #genetictesting #geneticcounselor #geneticcounseling
It’s true, since many diseases are multifactorial, we often use information about your family members’ health history to calculate your risk of disease. Genetic testing can only go so far in predicting future health risk. Without this other information, you aren’t getting a complete picture.
For example, if your parent had colon cancer at age 45, but no genetic change (mutation) was found, we would recommend you start colonoscopy screening at 35 given the family history, and it would be covered by insurance. If you did a genetic test without talking to a specialist, you may not know this.
Of course this isn’t always possible. We know that not all families communicate this information and those who were donor-conceived or adopted may not have any family history information. There are genetic tests now that test for many of the common hereditary conditions that are wonderful for those with no family history information. I love seeing this patients in my clinic! DM me and follow along for more information on these tests coming later this week.
#preventivemedicine #preventivehealth #proactivehealth #preventativecare #familyhistory #familyhealthhistory #familyhealth #genetictesting #geneticcounselor #geneticcounseling
As genetic counselors, we often hear “I look more like my dad, so I must have inherited his mutation” or “I have more of my mom’s genes” etc. These are actually not accurate statements. Here’s why:
Chromosomes are basically packages of genes, aka genetic information. Humans have 46 chromosomes in total, organized into 23 pairs. You inherit approximately half of your genes from your mother and half from your father. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair. Therefore, you inherit 23 chromosomes from your mother and 23 chromosomes from your father, resulting in a roughly equal genetic contribution from both parents.
However, it’s important to note that the specific versions of genes you inherit from each parent within those chromosomes can vary, leading to unique combinations of traits and characteristics that make you an individual with a mixture of genetic traits from both sides of your family.
Also, I know the science enthusiasts will come after me if I don’t say this, so here is the exception:
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an exception to this rule as you inherit your mtDNA exclusively from your mother. However, mtDNA only has about 37 genes, so compared to the 20-30,000 genes in our nuclear genome, it’s negligible.
#geneticcounseling #InheritanceFacts #Chromosomes
#FamilyGenetics #ScienceFacts #GenomicKnowledge #GeneticsExplained #HumanGenome #DNAInheritance #ScienceEducation #GenomicDiversity #ScienceLovers #GeneticEducation #GeneticCounselor #scicomm
Chromosomes are basically packages of genes, aka genetic information. Humans have 46 chromosomes in total, organized into 23 pairs. You inherit approximately half of your genes from your mother and half from your father. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair. Therefore, you inherit 23 chromosomes from your mother and 23 chromosomes from your father, resulting in a roughly equal genetic contribution from both parents.
However, it’s important to note that the specific versions of genes you inherit from each parent within those chromosomes can vary, leading to unique combinations of traits and characteristics that make you an individual with a mixture of genetic traits from both sides of your family.
Also, I know the science enthusiasts will come after me if I don’t say this, so here is the exception:
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an exception to this rule as you inherit your mtDNA exclusively from your mother. However, mtDNA only has about 37 genes, so compared to the 20-30,000 genes in our nuclear genome, it’s negligible.
#geneticcounseling #InheritanceFacts #Chromosomes
#FamilyGenetics #ScienceFacts #GenomicKnowledge #GeneticsExplained #HumanGenome #DNAInheritance #ScienceEducation #GenomicDiversity #ScienceLovers #GeneticEducation #GeneticCounselor #scicomm
Together with the @SADS Foundation , let’s discuss how medical genetic testing can yield three results. 🧬
➕ A 'positive' means a disease-causing gene variant is found, guiding treatment and family testing.
➖ A 'negative' indicates all genes tested appear normal.
❓ A 'Variant of Unknown Significance' (VUS) is inconclusive; most are benign, but they're monitored for changes in classification.
📞 ✉️ If you had a VUS result, keep in touch with your provider with a simple phone call or email every 1-2 years to ask if your variant has been reclassified and if the panel you had is still comprehensive and up-to-date.
Genetic testing is part of a broader SADS diagnosis, complementing expert evaluation and additional medical tests. Learn more at StopSADS.org.
#GeneticTesting #HeartHealth #SADSFoundation #KnowYourGenes #PathogenicVariant #VUS
#GeneticCounseling #InheritedConditions #StopSADS #HeartRhythm #Arrhythmia #SuddenCardiacArrest
➕ A 'positive' means a disease-causing gene variant is found, guiding treatment and family testing.
➖ A 'negative' indicates all genes tested appear normal.
❓ A 'Variant of Unknown Significance' (VUS) is inconclusive; most are benign, but they're monitored for changes in classification.
📞 ✉️ If you had a VUS result, keep in touch with your provider with a simple phone call or email every 1-2 years to ask if your variant has been reclassified and if the panel you had is still comprehensive and up-to-date.
Genetic testing is part of a broader SADS diagnosis, complementing expert evaluation and additional medical tests. Learn more at StopSADS.org.
#GeneticTesting #HeartHealth #SADSFoundation #KnowYourGenes #PathogenicVariant #VUS
#GeneticCounseling #InheritedConditions #StopSADS #HeartRhythm #Arrhythmia #SuddenCardiacArrest
Throwback to an unforgettable moment from last month's National Society of Genetic Counselors Conference, where I had the honor of interviewing my sister and sharing my family’s story on the main stage. This clip captures a glimpse into our profound discussion. Ellie shared her invaluable advice to medical professionals on providing compassionate care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We also explored the daily life, challenges, and triumphs of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, the role of family and community support, and the impact of support organizations. It was a heartwarming session that celebrated strength and advocacy. Stay tuned for more clips in the coming weeks as I continue to share some highlights from this empowering conversation.
Comment or DM me if you are interested in seeing the whole talk.
#GeneticCounseling #NSGC23 #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowermentThroughGenetics #NSGC2023 #InclusiveHealthcare #PatientAdvocacy
Comment or DM me if you are interested in seeing the whole talk.
#GeneticCounseling #NSGC23 #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowermentThroughGenetics #NSGC2023 #InclusiveHealthcare #PatientAdvocacy
Genetics is the future of personalized medicine and any healthcare team working with genetic testing needs someone who understands the ever-changing field of clinical genetics.
Genetic counselors:
📚 Stay up-to-date on latest research and recommendations in genetics and genetic testing
🗣 Translate complex information to patients
📞 Communicate with your healthcare team
♥️ Are trained to deliver this information in the most ethical way for the patients and their families
Follow me to learn more!
#Iamageneticcounselor #gcawarenessday
#geneticcounseling #geneticcounselor #genetics #dna #dnatesting #genes #dnatest #health #healthcare #genomics #proactivelifestyle #science #knowyourselfownyourfuture #dnagenetics #preventivehealth #hereditary #geneticmutation #genetictest
Genetic counselors:
📚 Stay up-to-date on latest research and recommendations in genetics and genetic testing
🗣 Translate complex information to patients
📞 Communicate with your healthcare team
♥️ Are trained to deliver this information in the most ethical way for the patients and their families
Follow me to learn more!
#Iamageneticcounselor #gcawarenessday
#geneticcounseling #geneticcounselor #genetics #dna #dnatesting #genes #dnatest #health #healthcare #genomics #proactivelifestyle #science #knowyourselfownyourfuture #dnagenetics #preventivehealth #hereditary #geneticmutation #genetictest
Individuals and their family members who have a condition with a genetic link, have a family history of an inherited disease, or are considering genetic testing for any reason can benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor- but how does one even find a genetic counselor?
This infographic highlights 6 ways to find a genetic counselor.
Genetic counselors empower patients and their families with information, guidance and emotional support to help them understand their family history, evaluate genetic testing options, and make informed choices based on test results.
What to expect once you find one:
🧬Genetic counseling appointments vary by specialty, and may take anywhere from 30-90 minutes.
👪 During the appointment, the genetic counselor will draw your family tree, discuss your family history of disease and, if appropriate, discuss genetic testing options or walk you through your genetic test results.
🩺 The genetic counselor will then use this information to help you understand your risk for certain conditions and work with your physician to personalize your medical care.
Follow for more content like this and visit AboutGeneticCounselors.com for more information.
#iamageneticcounselor #genetics #genetic #geneticcounselor #geneticcounselors #geneticcounsellor #geneticcounsellors #geneticcounseling #geneticcounselling #genomics #genetictesting #genetictest #dnatest #dnatesting #geneticdisorder #healthcare #genetica #geneticdisease #hereditarycancer #raredisease
This infographic highlights 6 ways to find a genetic counselor.
Genetic counselors empower patients and their families with information, guidance and emotional support to help them understand their family history, evaluate genetic testing options, and make informed choices based on test results.
What to expect once you find one:
🧬Genetic counseling appointments vary by specialty, and may take anywhere from 30-90 minutes.
👪 During the appointment, the genetic counselor will draw your family tree, discuss your family history of disease and, if appropriate, discuss genetic testing options or walk you through your genetic test results.
🩺 The genetic counselor will then use this information to help you understand your risk for certain conditions and work with your physician to personalize your medical care.
Follow for more content like this and visit AboutGeneticCounselors.com for more information.
#iamageneticcounselor #genetics #genetic #geneticcounselor #geneticcounselors #geneticcounsellor #geneticcounsellors #geneticcounseling #geneticcounselling #genomics #genetictesting #genetictest #dnatest #dnatesting #geneticdisorder #healthcare #genetica #geneticdisease #hereditarycancer #raredisease
Population genetic screening is “the process of offering otherwise healthy patients in the general population testing for genomic variants that predispose them to diseases that are clinically actionable, meaning that they can be prevented or mitigated if they are detected early.” (PMID: 35860476)
Population genetic screening initiatives are transforming healthcare and improving our understanding of genetic diseases. We are entering a new era of medicine, where genetic testing is for everyone, uncovering hidden risks and providing lifesaving information. I personally believe that this is where we are all headed, and one day, everyone will have the opportunity to know this information before they develop disease.
Here are some of the current programs revolutionizing our approach to health, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for early intervention and personalized care:
🤝 All of Us Research Program: Open to all through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to collect and study genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information from one million+ individuals living in the United States. #AllofUs is committed to recruiting a diverse participant pool that includes members of groups that have been left out of research in the past. You can actually sign up for free on their site.
🤝#HealthyNevadaProject offers ancestry information & no-cost genetic screening for certain hereditary cancers and heart disease risks that are often missed in routine clinical care alone.
🤝Geisinger MyCode (Geisinger Patients)
🤝Genomes2people.org/about has a list of a number of studies
What other programs are out there? Comment to share!
#genetictesting #healthcarerevolution #populationhealth #knowyourgenes #inclusivehealthcare #preventativemedicine #genomics #genomics4all #populationgenetics
Population genetic screening initiatives are transforming healthcare and improving our understanding of genetic diseases. We are entering a new era of medicine, where genetic testing is for everyone, uncovering hidden risks and providing lifesaving information. I personally believe that this is where we are all headed, and one day, everyone will have the opportunity to know this information before they develop disease.
Here are some of the current programs revolutionizing our approach to health, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for early intervention and personalized care:
🤝 All of Us Research Program: Open to all through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to collect and study genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information from one million+ individuals living in the United States. #AllofUs is committed to recruiting a diverse participant pool that includes members of groups that have been left out of research in the past. You can actually sign up for free on their site.
🤝#HealthyNevadaProject offers ancestry information & no-cost genetic screening for certain hereditary cancers and heart disease risks that are often missed in routine clinical care alone.
🤝Geisinger MyCode (Geisinger Patients)
🤝Genomes2people.org/about has a list of a number of studies
What other programs are out there? Comment to share!
#genetictesting #healthcarerevolution #populationhealth #knowyourgenes #inclusivehealthcare #preventativemedicine #genomics #genomics4all #populationgenetics
We had a fantastic time at our Content Creation Workshop at NSGC this year! 🎉 Thanks a million to all who came, shared, and inspired.
Due to the overwhelming positive feedback, and recognizing that many couldn’t make it due to financial barriers or not being there in person, we are thinking of hosting a shorter webinar version or an online course to bring this valuable content straight to you.
Although this content is geared towards genetic counselors, it also applies to any genetics professionals or healthcare providers. All are welcome!
We want to make this as accessible and tailored as possible, so we’ve created a quick form for anyone interested. Please take a moment to fill it out and let us know what you'd like to see, your preferred format, and any other ideas you might have.
Link in bio or DM me to receive the link.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to learn, share, and grow together – no matter where we are in the world!
Cheers to creating and connecting!
Thank you @katie sagaser for all the footage ♥️
#geneticcounselor #Iamageneticcounselor #genechat #contentcreator #NSGC2023 #nsgc23
Due to the overwhelming positive feedback, and recognizing that many couldn’t make it due to financial barriers or not being there in person, we are thinking of hosting a shorter webinar version or an online course to bring this valuable content straight to you.
Although this content is geared towards genetic counselors, it also applies to any genetics professionals or healthcare providers. All are welcome!
We want to make this as accessible and tailored as possible, so we’ve created a quick form for anyone interested. Please take a moment to fill it out and let us know what you'd like to see, your preferred format, and any other ideas you might have.
Link in bio or DM me to receive the link.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to learn, share, and grow together – no matter where we are in the world!
Cheers to creating and connecting!
Thank you @katie sagaser for all the footage ♥️
#geneticcounselor #Iamageneticcounselor #genechat #contentcreator #NSGC2023 #nsgc23
Reflecting on a whirlwind week at the National Society of Genetic Counselors annual conference in Chicago: from hosting workshops and partnering with CancerIQ for a happy hour, to sharing my family's personal journey with genetic counseling, and embracing the bustling conference life. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for all the kind words and feedback on both my content and the heartfelt talk with my family. Hearing that my videos have served as many individuals' first exposure to the field is incredibly humbling, and I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with me. Grateful for recorded sessions, invaluable networking, and the annual tradition of reuniting with long-time colleagues and witnessing students transform into professionals. Now, it's time to recharge back in LA.
I’ll post more details later this week and next.
#geneticcounseling #NSGC2023 #Iamageneticcounselor #genechat #geneticcounselor
I’ll post more details later this week and next.
#geneticcounseling #NSGC2023 #Iamageneticcounselor #genechat #geneticcounselor
Bringing back this classic hit for #breastcancerawarenessmonth 😜 🎤🎧
There are many risk factors for developing breast cancer, but let’s talk about some bug ones: #genetics and #familyhistory . These factors, along with several others, allow your healthcare providers to calculate a more accurate risk assessment to determine if you qualify for extra screening.
But who should get genetic testing? The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) recommends genetic testing be offered to ALL patients diagnosed with breast cancer no matter their age, family history or ethnic background. This information can actually change treatment.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends those with certain patterns in their family history consider genetic testing. A genetic counselor can help determine if you fit this & your insurance will cover it. If testing is not covered by insurance, or if the co-pay is high, the patient-pay rate should never be more than $250 for the entire panel. If your doctor can’t find this price, they should contact the laboratory or you can ask for a referral to a genetic counselor to help you order the best test.
Testing should include all genes associated with breast cancer at minimum (ie: BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, PALB2, PTEN, TP53, ATM, CHEK2, STK11 and others) NOT JUST BRCA1 & BRCA2! This is made easy by all of the major genetic testing laboratories providing pre-made panels for breast cancer or multi-cancer risk. (The price is the same no matter how many genes are tested.)
And NO, NONE of this is tested by 23&Me- this should be done with a MEDICAL grade genetic test.
If you want to discuss your risk, you can see me in my clinic (MalibuGenetics.com/pricing)
Or, To find a genetic counselor near you, visit findageneticcounselor.com or DM me and I can help you.
Alternatively, you can DM me for information on patient-initiated testing at a legitimate genetic testing laboratory.
#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivor #breastcancerprevention #brca #genetictesting #earlydetection #breastcancerfighter #breastcancerunder40 #malebreastcancer #youngbreastcancer #pinktober #breastcancerwarrior #womenshealth
There are many risk factors for developing breast cancer, but let’s talk about some bug ones: #genetics and #familyhistory . These factors, along with several others, allow your healthcare providers to calculate a more accurate risk assessment to determine if you qualify for extra screening.
But who should get genetic testing? The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) recommends genetic testing be offered to ALL patients diagnosed with breast cancer no matter their age, family history or ethnic background. This information can actually change treatment.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends those with certain patterns in their family history consider genetic testing. A genetic counselor can help determine if you fit this & your insurance will cover it. If testing is not covered by insurance, or if the co-pay is high, the patient-pay rate should never be more than $250 for the entire panel. If your doctor can’t find this price, they should contact the laboratory or you can ask for a referral to a genetic counselor to help you order the best test.
Testing should include all genes associated with breast cancer at minimum (ie: BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, PALB2, PTEN, TP53, ATM, CHEK2, STK11 and others) NOT JUST BRCA1 & BRCA2! This is made easy by all of the major genetic testing laboratories providing pre-made panels for breast cancer or multi-cancer risk. (The price is the same no matter how many genes are tested.)
And NO, NONE of this is tested by 23&Me- this should be done with a MEDICAL grade genetic test.
If you want to discuss your risk, you can see me in my clinic (MalibuGenetics.com/pricing)
Or, To find a genetic counselor near you, visit findageneticcounselor.com or DM me and I can help you.
Alternatively, you can DM me for information on patient-initiated testing at a legitimate genetic testing laboratory.
#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivor #breastcancerprevention #brca #genetictesting #earlydetection #breastcancerfighter #breastcancerunder40 #malebreastcancer #youngbreastcancer #pinktober #breastcancerwarrior #womenshealth