Last year, our former research assistant, Charlene Preys, underwent genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancer associated with the ATM gene. Upon receiving her ATM status, Charlene’s risk of developing breast cancer jumped from 12 to 40%, and her risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased from <1% to 10%. Patient organizations and support groups were vital to her healing process when coping with her cancer risk.
“As a patient and genetic counselor, I support the mission of Genomes2People more than ever, offering whole genome sequencing to [apparently healthy] individuals.”