Understanding Melanoma: Genetic and Environmental Factors
Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer, with most skin cancers being basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell cancers. More rare are melanomas, which are a more serious… Read more »
Carrier Screening Tests for Expecting Parents: A Discussion on VUS
My colleagues and I were recently discussing some issues around carrier screening, particularly when it comes to variants of uncertain significance (VUS). As the name implies, VUSs are changes that… Read more »
Charity Care Means More Access to Genetic Counseling
As a non-profit organization, Genetic Support Foundation recognizes how important it is to review our mission statement often. Each business decision made by our board of directors and senior leadership… Read more »
“How to Spit” A guide on how to provide a saliva sample for genetic testing
You’ve just received your very own saliva collection kit- congratulations! Now you’re left with the somewhat daunting task of providing a sample. Set aside etiquette concerns and start thinking about… Read more »
Must-Reads for Women with Hereditary Cancer Risk
In the world of genetics, we often use the term Knowledge is Power. Gaining that knowledge usually starts with a genetic counseling appointment, then spreads into research, support groups, podcasts,… Read more »
Attending Alone: Pregnancy Appointments During COVID-19
I asked my midwife to put in an order for my 20-week anatomy ultrasound early, so that I could schedule enough in advance to make sure my husband was free… Read more »
Genetic Counseling in the Time of Covid
If two months ago someone would have told me where we are today, I would have never believed them. Businesses are shuttered, surgeries canceled and postponed indefinitely, standard-of-care medical treatments… Read more »
I Have a BRCA1 Gene Mutation: The Extra Stress of COVID-19 Takes a Toll
An extra element of stress has creeped into all our lives. We’ve made way for the coronavirus to take the foreground–adjusting our work, family, and social lives to fit into… Read more »
Help Ensure Access to Independent Genetic Counseling Services: Support HR 3235
I’m writing today to ask for your help in showing support for H.R.3235 – the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2019. This Act, if passed, would allow for… Read more »
Hereditary Risks for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
March 3 is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day, so we want to discuss the important association of a breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA1) and Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Changes (or… Read more »