We have officially reached the point in December that feels like a mad dash to the end of the year. This flurry of activity and, often, the abandonment of our regular routines, leaves us craving a reset. At gatherings, we lament to loved ones our desire for consistency and eagerness to adopt new lifestyle habits and a fresh start in the new year. As we talk about our plans to refocus on our well-being, questions about our family’s health history tend to arise. “Remember when grandma was diagnosed with that condition?” or “Weren’t those aunts diagnosed with cancer around the age of 40?” We begin to wonder, “Am I also at risk?”
Knowledge about “what runs in the family” can be complicated, and being reminded that there is a family history of cancer can be unsettling, particularly amid the joy of the holiday season. Genetic counseling can help address our concerns about our own cancer risk. The process enables those with a personal or family history of cancer to learn more about their likelihood of developing certain diseases. It can also assist individuals who may not know their biological family’s health history, such as those who are adopted, in determining their hereditary risks. For patients diagnosed with cancer, the information uncovered can help inform potential treatment options.
Destiny Vandivere Chelna Galada
For individuals who receive confirmation that they have a known genetic predisposition for developing a disease, genetic counseling can help ease their anxiety by enabling them to better understand their test results, its implications and potential next steps for themselves and their loved ones. If patients need additional time to process their results, CARTI also offers comprehensive support services at The Bridge, including counseling, survivorship support and more.
During the holidays and year-round, it’s a gift to be able to make more informed decisions about our health by discussing our family’s health history. That’s just what genetic counseling allows us to do. Through this process, we can determine our likelihood of developing certain diseases and what next steps, if any, we may want to consider, such as preventive monitoring and additional screenings. If you want to learn more about genetic counseling or schedule an appointment, visit CARTI.com or call 501-537-8650.
