FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A program that until now has only been available for Parkview Health patients and staff is opening to anyone interested in knowing their genetic health risks.
DNA Insights, a free community health research program, is now available to anyone ages 18 and older with a Parkview MyChart account. Created in partnership with Helix Research Network, the program aims to help participants understand how their ancestry has impacted their traits and risk of certain diseases, according to a press release from Parkview.
Those who enroll will take the following steps:
- Complete an online informed consent form
- Visit a Parkview laboratory for a simple blood draw
- Receive no-cost genetic screening to learn about their inherited risk for:
- Certain hereditary cancers, including breast, ovarian and colorectal.
- A hereditary form of high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia) that increases risk for heart attack and stroke
- Gain insights into regional ancestry and selected genetic traits, such as caffeine sensitivity and sleep patterns
Approximately 1-2% of program participants are expected to have a genetic variant that may put them at risk for one of the above conditions. According to the press release, those with positive results are offered a no-cost genetic counseling session with a Parkview counselor to understand their results and discuss proactive, preventative care planning. Results may also help guide testing for other family members who could be affected…