Genetic testing can reveal changes in your genes that may cause illness or disease. These changes, sometimes called mutations or variants, can increase your risk of developing certain conditions or tell you if you are a carrier for a genetic disorder that you could pass on to your children.
Some examples of diseases that genetic testing can show include:
- Cancer: Genetic testing can help identify individuals with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Genetic testing can help identify individuals with an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol.
- Neurological disorders: Genetic testing can help identify individuals with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and other neurological disorders.
- Inherited metabolic disorders: Genetic testing can help identify individuals with an increased risk of developing conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis.
- Chromosomal disorders: Genetic testing can detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.
- Rare diseases: Genetic testing can help diagnose rare diseases that may not be easily identified through traditional methods.
Genetic testing can also be used to determine the likelihood of developing certain conditions or to determine the best treatment options for specific diseases.
