DNA Conversation Starter #3: After Genetic Testing, What Then?
In the past few years, the science of genetic testing has advanced exponentially, both in the amount of information genetic testing can reveal and the precision and reliability of the results. It’s also more convenient and affordable than ever before—making it possible for companies like Pathway Genomics to provide consumers with valuable insight into their predisposition to certain health conditions, their individual response to medications, information about their family ancestry, and much more.
However, receiving a detailed report on your genetic make-up and understanding how to best use the information included in your report are two different things—and this is another area in which Pathway Genomics stands out in the industry. Pathway Genomics’ genetic health report is more than just informative. It is designed to provide consumers with information they can use to take proactive control of their health and well-being.
In Pathway Genomics’ genetic health report results are easy-to-read and action-orientated. For example, some results may be labeled “Immediate Attention” with specific recommendations spelled out. Others may advise to “Be Proactive” and consult with a physician. Those labeled “Learn More” advise on prevention. In areas where a genetic report reveals no significant health issue, Pathway Genomics encourages people to move forward confidently and do what they can to “Live a Healthy Lifestyle.” It’s important to note that genetic testing tells us with great accuracy if an individual has a particular genetic marker, or SNP. It does not predict with absolute certainty whether that person will or will not develop that disease. This is where the role of genetic counseling comes into play, and it is a critical factor in people being able to use results from their genetic health report to develop well-informed plans of action to adjust their lifestyle or make other decisions concerning the quality of their life and their health. At Pathway Genomics, we offer to every customer the opportunity to speak with a genetic counselor in order to fully understand their genetic health report, and from there, make positive and well-informed decisions.
What you can learn
Although we can’t change our genes, there are things we can do to maintain our health or mitigate our risks. For example, if genetic testing revealed that you might be predisposed to diabetes, your Pathway Genomics’ genetic health report would give you detailed information on the disease, its various types, its causes, treatments, and the prevalence of the disease among the general population. The report would also indicate whether you should consult with your doctor immediately and/or make lifestyle adjustments like eating differently, exercising more, or making changes to your environment. This depth of information is repeated for every condition included in your report—providing a comprehensive and actionable guidebook on how to take charge of your well-being.
Your genetic health report from Pathway Genomics can be exciting and enlightening. For many people, however, the wealth of information provided in a genetic report can also be a bit overwhelming. For that reason, Pathway Genomics has a team of certified genetic counselors on staff that are available, toll-free, for one-on-one phone calls to help customers interpret and understand their genetic reports.
For more information on “What is genetic testing?” and “Why Test?” look for DNA Conversation Starters #1 and #2, respectively on our blog, DNAction: Your Pathway to Human Genomics. Here you have access to all of Pathway’s DNA Conversation Starters.