What’s in your DNA?
Kyla Patek, MS, CGC, is a board-certified Genetic Counselor at VHC Health. Kyla has been practicing in Maternal Fetal Medicine at VHC Health for nine years and is the manager of the Genetic Counseling Services. She previously worked in the areas of hereditary cancer and neurovascular genetics research.
Happy DNA Day!
This week we celebrate National DNA Day.
When you think of genetics do you think of sci-fi movies like X-Men or GATTACA? Or celebrities who shared genetic test results like Angelina Jolie or Christina Applegate? Genetics is more important to everyday life than most people realize.
“I spend most days thinking about genetics – when it works well and when our DNA fails us. Today, National DNA Day, I invite you to think about your own genetics.”
Kyla Patek, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor at VHC Health
DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953. Since these major events, the technology and our understanding of the human genome has exploded. Most people don’t realize that genetic testing is often covered by insurance and can be as low as $200 when not covered.
What to know about your Genetics
We are moving into an age of personalized/precision medicine with the goal of tailoring screening, treatment and management to individuals. Genetic testing and genetic counseling are key to understanding how to lower your risks of developing diseases that may run in your family.
While most family histories don’t warrant genetic testing, there are very common conditions that have a strong genetic component and knowing the gene change that runs in the family can guide care. Examples of these include personal or family histories of:
- Heart disease (hypercholesterolemia, cardiomyopathy, long QT)
- Rare cancers (premenopausal breast, male breast, pancreatic, ovarian cancer)
- Epilepsy
VHC Health care providers use screening tools to gather information about your health and family history to identify who is at increased risk for a genetic condition and then can place a referral for genetic counseling.
When to see a Genetic Counselor
- You are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant and are interested in learning about genetic screening.
- You have a personal or family history of cancer and want to know more about your risks.
- You have a family history of conditions you are concerned might be genetic.
Ask your doctor to refer you for genetic counseling or call to schedule your appointment today:
- Cancer Genetics – 703-717-4217
- Preconception and Prenatal Genetics – 703-558-6077
What we are doing at VHC Health
At VHC Health, we are committed to having genetic screening and counseling available to every patient who needs it. My goal as a genetic counselor is to keep all of our health care providers and patients up to date on the rapidly changing world of genetics.
Do you have a personal or family history you are concerned about? Talk to your primary care doctor and they can place a referral if indicated.
