NEW HAVEN, Conn. (PRWEB) July 23, 2019
My Gene Counsel, a digital health company that provides personalized, easy-to-understand, web-based genetic counseling, today announced that the company has expanded its database of genetic resources to include content for at-home genetic tests related to MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and Parkinson’s disease.
The expanded content comes following 23andMe’s June 2019 addition of a new report that looks at two genetic variants in the MUTYH gene to determine an individual’s genetic risk for a specific colorectal cancer syndrome known as MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP).
“Taking an at-home DNA test and finding out you have a variant in the MUTYH gene doesn’t mean very much to the average consumer – and the path to understanding and verifying those results is challenging,” said Ellen Matloff, president and CEO of My Gene Counsel. “We’ve created our latest genetic counseling reports to meet this need and help consumers take the next steps.”
In addition to MUTYH, My Gene Counsel now has reports for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a condition associated with very high cholesterol, and Parkinson’s, a disease associated with movement impairment. All three are on 23andMe’s list of Genetic Health Risk report offerings, which look at genetic variants associated with an increased risk for developing certain diseases or conditions.
“These tests can provide important information about health risks, but they can also be upsetting and raise questions about what the results mean,” said Matloff. “Genetic counseling is an imperative next step to help you understand your results, figure out what actions you should take while easing some of the anxiety that will inevitably result from finding out you may be predisposed to a serious health condition.”
My Gene Counsel’s on-demand genetic counseling reports, called Living Lab Reports®, take a person’s genetic test results and provide customized information that explains the results in clear, simple language to help consumers:
- Evaluate options to optimize their health
- Prevent/delay illness or diagnose disease sooner
- Fully utilize genetic test results in clinical care
- Feel empowered and emotionally supported
- Guide family members through genetic testing, when appropriate
- Remain informed via notifications when science or medical management changes
“Our reports explain the limitations of many types of direct-to-consumer genetic tests and the importance of result verification in a medical-grade laboratory,” said Matloff. “Having a risk variant doesn’t ensure the development of a condition and not having one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear. There’s much more to consider before making any important medical decisions.”
About My Gene Counsel:
My Gene Counsel is a digital health company that provides easy-to-understand, web-based genetic counseling reports to patients directly or through enterprise partners. The company is the only genetics resource used in the market today that is designed for digital and mobile access, is available 24/7/365, and delivers comprehensive content created by medical experts and patient advocates. Their result-specific solution provides genetic guidance that updates as research and critical new information emerges. For more information, visit http://www.mygenecounsel.com.