There are more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting over 30 million Americans according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Many rare conditions and disorders are caused by changes in our genetic information and some of these genetic changes silently run through healthy families. People who are pregnant or considering pregnancy may explore genetic carrier screening to identify these silent genetic changes so they can make informed family planning decisions. Carrier screening is routinely offered, but many people aren’t aware of it and have questions. If you are considering carrier screening or are just curious about your options, here are some things to know and consider.

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Genevie’s children have Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a heart signaling disorder that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats or arrhythmias, which was only discovered through genetic testing. Her youngest daughter had more severe symptoms of LQTS, and went through an extensive testing panel - which is how her husband learned he had LQTS Type 5.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health is playing an increasingly central role within health care. Genetic testing options and the results people may receive can leave people confused and concerned, and genetic counselors play an important part in not only providing insights on genetics but also advising patients on the mental and emotional aspects of testing and what they can do as far as next steps.

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There are many pink ribbon displays and charity walks each year to support the many people diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year leads to more scientific advances and discoveries about how cancer develops and breakthroughs that may lead to more effective treatments. Genes have become an important predictor for how cancer may behave as well as for determining if family members may be at risk to develop cancer too.

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According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men.  In fact, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. (ACS) What factors increase my risk for prostate cancer? Family history? What can I do?

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 The COVID-19 pandemic, racial uprisings, and the resulting economic recession have impacted many people’s mental health. One study suggests that ~4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from ~1 in 10 adults before the pandemic.

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It's not surprising that awareness efforts for hereditary breast cancer focus on the women in the family, but it's important not to leave the men out.  Not only can men get breast cancer, their family health history holds important information to help relatives determine their cancer risk. 

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Ovarian cancer can be a silent killer. Most women are diagnosed with this cancer at later stages, as the symptoms are often silent or not recognized as indications of cancer in earlier stages in the midst of busy lives. 

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If there’s ever been a year that pushes people to examine their mental health, 2020 would be it. Our world is facing some challenging times. Between living in a pandemic and the national conversation surrounding racism, violence and other injustices inflicted on members of the Black community, people are grappling with emotions that are hard to process while also dealing with the regular pressures of their daily lives.

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