Genetic testing can provide an opportunity to better understand the risk associated with certain cancers and hereditary gene mutations. Test results will help physicians make better informed decisions for developing a personalized care approach and implement preventative care programs which may detect cancer earlier. Early detection is key! It enables early intervention and offers the best chance of having good outcomes.
Genetics is the study of how traits, conditions, and/or diseases are passed between generations in a family as well as the variation seen in the traits, conditions, and/or diseases due to single genes.
Genetic testing is often recommended to people once they have been diagnosed with a disease, or if a family history of genetic disease is revealed. However, even those without a strong personal or family health history of genetic disease can benefit from genetic testing.
Approximately 1 out of every 6 individuals will have an actionable finding from genetic testing of common diseases that will change their care. You can be proactive about your health and about exploring your DNA. A genetic expert can help you evaluate your risks and guide you in making an informed decision about life style, diet, and other care options. .
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS – HEREDITARY AND CARRIER CANCER RISK
All cancer arises from harmful variations in our genes (called mutations) that we acquire spontaneously throughout our life from various things we are exposed to (alcohol, chemicals, smoke, etc.). It typically takes mutations in multiple genes to occur before a normal cell turns into a cancer cell. For this reason, all cancer is genetic in nature. Additionally, ~10% of people who develop cancer are born with a mutation in a gene that predisposes them to develop certain cancers; these are called hereditary cancer syndromes and common hereditary cancer syndromes include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1/2), Lynch syndrome and MUTYH-associated polyposis.
ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL – MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
The one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to prescribing medication. Everyone is unique. We all process medication differently based on our genetic make-up. Because of these genetic differences, several individuals can take the same dose of the same drug, but respond in very different ways.
Pharmacogenetics is the combination of pharmacology and genomics. It involves the study of genetic variations that influence an individual’s response to specific drugs. Pharmacology is the part of science that studies how drugs work.
REDUCING ADE
Adverse Drug Events (ADE) have been linked to one-third of hospital emergency room visits and is a leading cause for hospital admissions (7% annually) thus having a substantial impact on mortality, morbidity and health-care costs. According to the CDC, adverse drug events or ADE’s:
- account for nearly $3.5 billion each year in health care costs
- cause nearly 700,000 emergency room visits and hospital re-admissions
- represents nearly 12% of all heath care costs (approximately $290 billion)
At PRM, we have partnered with some of the industries top molecular laboratories to assist physicians, patients and families to help identify risk and put procedures in place to mitigate adverse events which can be life-altering.
