Genetics 101

Genetics 101

Inheritance Patterns

Genetic, or hereditary, conditions can be passed down in a family in many different ways:

Family History

When it comes to genetics, it’s not all about you; your entire family’s health history is important. There are many health conditions where someone’s risk to also develop that condition is determined by their family history. Because of this, it is important to try to gather as much information about your family health history as possible.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is a rapidly changing area of medicine, and whether or not to undergo genetic testing may not be an easy or straightforward decision. Even if you have already undergone genetic testing, the results may often be confusing to interpret. A genetic counselor is a medical professional that can help answer any questions you have, make sure you have all of the information you need to make a decision that is best for you and your family, and help make sense of genetic testing results. Select a topic below to learn more about genetic testing.

Genetic Testing FAQs & Concerns

Genetic testing for cancer risk is a very personal decision, and is not right for everyone. Some people are concerned about the benefits versus potential risks, while others are more concerned with insurance or privacy issues. Select a topic below to learn more about these common concerns pertaining to genetic testing.

Disorders & Conditions

There are a variety of genetic disorders and conditions that exist. The information provided below will help to provide a basic background of common disorders and conditions, and can be a resource in answering questions.

Cancer Predispositions

A variety of hereditary cancer predispositions exist. The information provided below will help to provide a basic background and answer common questions for individuals who have a personal and/or family history of cancer.

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