- By Georgia Hurst
- Posted March 2, 2017
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month- Do you Know About Lynch Syndrome?
In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to discuss the most common cause of hereditary colorectal and uterine cancer – Lynch syndrome. In fact, this post is dedicated to my brother Jimmy, who died of colon cancer due to Lynch syndrome at the age of 36. Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer condition passed down in families…
- By Jackie Connor
- Posted January 18, 2017
'AmbrySpeaks' Tour kicks off in Los Angeles
Ever since our initial publication of Sanger sequencing confirmation was featured in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, in addition to our accompanying presentation at the National Society of Genetic Counselors conference last fall, Ambry has been touting our superior scientifically-proven genetic testing. Now we are bringing the message that…
- By Tameron Harvell, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
- Posted December 22, 2016
You're Not To Blame
Editor’s Note: We are re-posting this entry by Tameron Harvell, a registered nurse practitioner, to raise the profile of “survivor’s guilt” – an issue that can be particularly challenging during the holidays. You’ve just received your cancer genetic testing results and no mutation was found! What a relief to know…
- 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 Jackie Connor
- Posted October 20, 2016
Ambry Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Ambry is proud to support many non-profit foundations and organizations, including the Mauli Ola Foundation’s 3rd annual Battle for the Breasts (B4TB). The B4TB is an online surf contest featuring 16 professional women surfers who are each paired with cancer clinics and/or foundations. Each surfer…
- By Jackie Connor
- Posted October 19, 2016
What is a Genetic Counselor?
Throughout the healthcare industry, it is known that genetic counselors play a vital role in the care and treatment of patients. Genetic counselors guide patients through the genetic testing journey and provide them and their primary care physician with detailed explanations of their test results. Check out our video that takes potential patients…
- By Jackie Connor
- Posted October 12, 2016
New Study Reflects Need for Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer Patients
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) recently released a study, which concluded that 11.8% of metastatic prostate cancer cases were caused by germline gene mutations leading to hereditary prostate cancer. The study involved 692 men from the United States and United Kingdom who have documented metastatic prostate cancer. Eighty-four germline…
- By Cynthia Rigali Lund
- Posted September 29, 2016
In The Beginning: My Ovaries Were Talking, but I Wasn't Listening
What a perfect time to begin my story — we are in the middle of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, as well as National HBOC (hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) Week. I love when things line up like it was all meant to be… Things did not line up for me in October of 2012. While preparing funeral arrangements for my dad who…
- By Michelle Jackson
- Posted August 4, 2016
And Now, A Little Something For the Men Facing Hereditary Cancer
As a female genetic counselor, I can say I have counseled many men regarding their risk for hereditary cancer. I have seen the different reactions and responses they have had. I have looked for different information (from what I provided to females) to give to them, if it will help. I cannot say I have any idea what it is like to be a man going…
- By Carin Espenschied
- Posted August 3, 2016
How Laws Protect Genetic Information
There are many different things to consider when deciding whether to have genetic testing. In addition to the impact of the test results on your physical and emotional health and that of your family members (more on that here), you should also consider your insurance coverage and the possibility of discrimination. When I met with patients as…