By Devin Shuman, CGC (she/her) We need to talk about genetic exceptionalism. By this I mean, the notion that genetic testing is so groundbreaking that it has replaced the entire diagnostic process for many conditions. Which leaves us with the question of, what do we do when we hit the edge of genetic knowledge and …
Genetic Exceptionalism: Medicine’s Overreliance on Genetic Testing Read More »
This article is written by Dr. Stephanie Meredith, the Development Director at Genetic Support Foundation and the Supervisor of our Lettercase National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources. She is also the mother of a young man with Down syndrome and has worked in disability advocacy for nearly 25 years. The past two weeks have …
Join Patients in the Fight to Save Medicaid and Social Services Read More »
Until last week, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines reported that CHEK2 pathogenic variants (or risk-increasing genetic differences) are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, citing a 5%-10% lifetime risk. NCCN recommended that carriers of a CHEK2 pathogenic variant begin colonoscopy screening earlier than typically recommended, at age 40, and repeat this screening …
CHEK2-Associated Cancer Risk and Screening Recommendation Updates Read More »
PLUGS (Patient-centered Laboratory Utilization Guidance Services) is a non-profit laboratorystewardship organization founded in 2013 with >100 members representing hospitals, healthsystems, diagnostic companies, patient advocacy groups and payers. Seattle Children’s servesas the quarterback for the network which engages diverse stakeholders focused on improvingtest stewardship. The mission of PLUGS is to improve laboratory test access, ordering, …
By Chase Beeler, Rachel Westman, and Devin Shuman New Developments A recent study published in Nature Medicine, and a follow up article in the New York Times, has added to and challenged our understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease. Based on the data analyzed, this study is claiming that a specific variant in the …
Causation versus Susceptibility: Alzheimer’s Disease, Genetics, & APOE Read More »
As a rare disease genetic counselor – who both has a rare genetic condition and serves rare disease patient populations as a provider – I have a Rare Disease Day Public Service Announcement for you: Do not order Direct-to-Consumer testing.
The recent update to 23andMe’s DTC test in September 2023 expanded their BRCA1/2 analysis to detect a total of 44 specific variants, including those evaluated previously1. This certainly will increase the detection of genetic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for individuals beyond those who are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. However, given that there are thousands of genetic variants in these two genes that are associated with hereditary cancer risks, it is important to recognize that the updated 23andMe test will still miss the majority of people with BRCA-associated hereditary cancer risks.
More than a decade since a new prenatal screening test was made available clinically. And in these years, healthcare providers have just started to agree on what to call it. When Sequenom first launched the MaterniT21 screen for Down syndrome in 2011, this type of testing was labeled “Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis” or NIPD. The promotion …
As we get ready to close out 2023, we reflect on and celebrate our achievements for the past year. Genetic Support Foundation continues to break down barriers to access to genetic counseling for underserved communities. From our founding, we have defined our success as every patient having equitable access to genetic counseling so each can …
A note of reflection and gratitude as we close out another year at GSF Read More »
It’s that time of year again; time for the barrage of advertisements and commercials trying to sell at home genetic testing. It’s rare to go an hour without being inundated by companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com, offering their best deal ever to provide you a crystal ball that can answer all of your lingering questions …
At-Home Genetic Testing for the Holidays: Think Before You Gift Read More »
