Because certain cancers run in my family, I have always been interested in the way things are passed down from generation to generation (even fun things like twins or red hair). A few weeks ago, I read about Angelina Jolie's choice to undergo genetic testing and follow up with a preventive double mastectomy, and I was even more intrigued, and found it really inspirational to see someone so influential begin to spread the word about our options in facing what life may or may not be preparing to hand us.
I've heard and read about 23andMe before, but it only recently came back to my attention. It's an easy and affordable saliva test that provides more than 240 health reports about conditions and traits (see the full list here), as well as more than 40 inherited conditions. You can discover your ancestry composition and get updates on your DNA as science advances.
Because certain cancers run in my family, I have always been interested in the way things are passed down from generation to generation (even fun things like twins or red hair). A few weeks ago, I read about I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Very cool, I would like to do the testing when I am a little less broke, though I know my genetics...skin cancer is on both sides, mom has had it, great grandfather, my grandmother did not survive it. I check my spots often, its all I can do :-/
ReplyDeleteThat's always good! I'm really freckle-y so I'm constantly checking my skin for new stuff.
DeleteYes, actually. We did extensive genetic testing before ultimately deciding not to have more children. Genetic mapping was not yet complete, but enough was known about our particular concern to follow through with the very expensive testing. Ultimately, we learned we had a 50/50 chance of having a developmentally delayed child, and a 75% risk if the child was a boy. It was a very difficult decision, but one we felt fortunate to make for ourselves. After growing up with a handicapped brother, I did not want to put our daughter through the same experience.
ReplyDeleteWe were assigned a genetic counselor to guide us through the process of understanding our results. It was a traumatic day, and I would not have wanted those results in the mail. I'm glad testing is affordable and available to everyone, but receiving those results is not the same as understanding them.
That's fascinating! I bet having a counselor helped so much. I'm also glad this particular test is available at a reasonable price, but you make a good point.
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