Blog & Media

  Here in Arizona, we’re no strangers to intense sun exposure, especially during the summer months when temperatures…

When it comes to genetics, small differences can mean a lot for your health. This is especially true…

Our understanding of hereditary cancer susceptibility genes is constantly evolving. For anyone who has tested positive for a…

Genetic testing can understandably result in a lot of questions. Unfortunately accessing accurate information about genetic testing is…

The direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, 23andMe, has recently added 41 new variants to their BRCA1 and BRCA2 selected…

If you have had genetic testing and been diagnosed with a hereditary predisposition to cancer, you may be…

I get this question a lot when I tell someone what I do for a living. Some people’s…

Cancer, a scary word often spoken in hushed tones, is a disease that many are all too familiar…

Your genetic test result may not have identified an inherited genetic explanation for your personal or family history…

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.).

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.

When you decide to pursue hereditary cancer genetic testing, you probably expect a straightforward yes or no answer:…