- By Lauren Costantin, MS, CGC
- Posted November 21, 2024
Progeny Spotlight: Empowering Families with Health History Insights
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday–it is a time to gather around the table with family from near and far, to eat a delicious meal, and catch up on everyone’s accomplishments over the past year. Thanksgiving is also National Family Health History Day, so as we are enjoying another helping of mashed potatoes this year, why not take…
- By Nanette Bentley
- Posted August 20, 2019
Unexpected Health Crisis Helps Family Learn Vital Health Information
On the evening of November 12, 2018, my husband and I received a call from our then 18-year-old daughter Oli’s school, informing us that she had been found outside her room with no pulse, in full cardiac arrest after a fire alarm went off in the dorm. The security officer started chest compressions and brought her back with one shock from the…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted December 29, 2016
Let's Not Forget The Cancer Caregivers
Having been diagnosed as a male with breast cancer almost three years ago to the day, I often reflect on how that diagnosis has changed my life forever. There was an immediate emotional impact that I felt that day, one I will never forget. I am quite sure that unless you have experienced the cancer journey, its many steps along the way are difficult…
- By Georgia Hurst
- Posted November 24, 2016
Collecting Your Family’s Medical History During the Holidays
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and many of you will be spending a lot of time with your family – this is a stellar time to discuss collecting your family’s medical history. Multiple generations are usually present at holiday gatherings and the elders can be great sources of information about your family’s medical history. Recognizing…
- By Emily Dalton, MS, CGC
- Posted November 17, 2016
Why Family History Matters in Genetic Diagnosis
Editor’s Note: We are re-posting this entry by Emily Dalton, a certified genetic counselor, as National Family History Day approaches next week. Check back here to get tips from a patient advocate about collecting your family’s medical history. We’ve all heard that genetics plays a big role in the development of cancer, including…
- By Theresa Smith
- Posted November 10, 2016
These Are My Genetic Test Results… Please Don’t Shoot the Messenger
Editor’s Note: We are re-posting Theresa Smith’s entry to tie in with National Family History Day on Thanksgiving in two weeks in the U.S. Theresa was kind enough to update her piece on the importance of sharing family history and genetic test results, as challenging as it may be at times. Check back here in two weeks…
- By Deepti Babu, MS, CGC
- Posted July 20, 2016
It's Complicated: Sharing Your Genetic Test Results
I feel funny writing about sharing genetic test results with family when I’ve never done it myself, but don’t let that stop you from reading… I’ll draw upon my years in the clinic as a genetic counselor, speaking to many families about this topic, and offer thoughts from my side of the table. I have seen that it’s complicated for some…
- By Travis Bray
- Posted May 18, 2016
A Brief History of Travis Bray
My story is one familiar to many in our community… but with a twist. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) started in my family when my grandfather was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer at the age of 36. Three of his six children, including my father, were later found to have FAP. My mom suspected I had FAP as a toddler, although I wasn’t…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted April 26, 2016
Sharing My Diagnosis and Genetic Testing With Family and Friends
While it’s difficult for anyone to come to grips with a cancer diagnosis, it becomes more challenging having to share the news with family and friends. Especially when you are a man telling them you have breast cancer. People may look at you with a deer in the headlights stare….men get breast cancer? This was the reaction from many, as nearly…
- By Theresa Smith
- Posted April 7, 2016
What Can I Do Until My Children Can Be Tested?
Dealing with your own BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic testing results is one thing, but worrying about testing for your children is another. Especially when they are under 18 years old. There is a very real possibility that people will have to wait for years for their kids to find out if they are positive or negative for the mutation.…