Do you have a history of certain types of cancers in your family tree, or are you completely unaware of what risks your genetics hold? Genetic testing can be a great way to learn more about your body and its genetic history as well as a way to ensure that the treatments and medications you use are optimized for your specific care.
Peggy Demetriou, ARNP, FNP-BC, and the team at Qvita Health & Wellness believe it’s important to understand the possible health risks associated with your personal and family history, as well as to obtain treatment that suits your needs. Genetic testing can offer you this level of understanding about yourself.
Genetic testing allows medical professionals to assist patients in understanding their physical makeup and personal risk factors through the identification of certain genes, proteins, and chromosomes. The test can help determine if specific conditions already exist inside you or if you have an increased risk of a condition. The test can also confirm that neither of these things are true.
At Qvita Health & Wellness, we use Myriad myRisk®, a cancer-screening test that covers a 35-gene panel to determine if you have an elevated risk of several hereditary cancers. These include:
But genetic testing can do more than just tell you your risk for certain illnesses. Our Integrated Genetic Solutions (IGS) genomic test gives your health care providers a more thorough map of your needs when it comes to treatment. For example, some people react adversely to certain drugs because of genetics. This test can help determine which medications and other treatments might cause problems for you down the line, reducing risk of treatment-related issues.
Are you wondering if genetic testing is worth your time? Almost anyone can get a genetic test; there’s little risk and no side effects. However, we do recommend that those who decide to go through with the procedure understand the implications and that, sometimes, the results are unfavorable. Still, we believe anyone can benefit from knowing more about their genetic makeup and their risk factors.
If you have symptoms pointing to a serious genetic disorder, it might be a good idea to get a genetic test done. On the other hand, you may have no symptoms, but you know that people in your family had, or even died from, certain genetic conditions. That means it could be important for you to learn whether those conditions exist in you or have a high chance of developing.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the decision to get genetic testing can be complex, because not everyone wants to know everything these tests can provide. However, we believe that knowledge is power and that being aware of your genetic condition, needs, risks, and securities is important to a healthy and happy life.
Genetic testing can be a fantastic tool for long-term health and wellness. Call Qvita Health & Wellness today to set up an appointment at our Wesley Chapel, Florida, office.
