7 Benefits of DNA Screenings

Choosing to participate in a DNA health screening is an important decision that carries many benefits.

Through Rochester Regional Health, GenoWell offers insights into how your DNA impacts your health through a no-cost genetic screening that identifies genetic markers linked to specific health conditions.

From preventive care to free consultations and more, there are several advantages to genetic screenings.

1. Identifying potential risks early

Participants in DNA screenings have their bloodwork checked for specific chronic health conditions. If results come back indicating they have an increased risk for a certain disease or condition, they are able to take preventive measures through lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions.

The GenoWell Genetics Program screens for genetic risks for

• hereditary breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• colorectal cancer related to Lynch syndrome
• hereditary high cholesterol
• other genetic traits

2. Understanding family history

Some families may not know their health history or choose not to share it with other family members. This can make it challenging to understand the full scope of your genetic risk.

By undergoing genetic screening, you are empowering not only your own healthcare choices in the future, but giving your family the potential to better understand their health history and take preventative steps as needed.

3. Genetic traits

Beyond the risk of chronic health conditions and diseases, there are other personal traits that are linked to genetics.

Physical traits such as eye color and height are obviously connected to heredity, but other characteristics and preferences are too. A number of these are available through GenoWell testing, including:

• caffeine metabolism
• cilantro taste
• sleep patterns
• endurance vs. power
• alcohol flush

4. Contributing to the community

Some DNA screening programs are community health research programs, meaning they offer their screenings as a way of improving the health of the general population as a whole. The goal of these programs is to gather as much information as possible to support new research discoveries that could help individuals and their families in the future.

5. Easy sharing with current providers

Some programs, such as GenoWell, offer to share your DNA screening results directly with your primary care provider. This makes it easier to connect with other services and discuss any potential follow-ups as needed.

6. No cost for testing

Direct to consumer DNA screening programs like GenoWell are not billed to your medical insurance. This opens up the opportunity for people who may not have health insurance or have limited health insurance to undergo testing for specific health conditions.

7. Free consultation as needed

If your DNA screening does indicate an increased risk for certain hereditary diseases, some DNA testing programs will offer free consultations with a genetics counselor to help you determine how high your risk is and what preventative steps you can take to reduce your health risks.

“As a primary care physician, having genetic information about my patient's risk of hereditary breast, ovarian and colon cancer, and familial hypercholesterolemia, is invaluable,” said Jane Salamone, MD, Executive Medical Director for Rochester Regional Health’s Department of Primary Care. “I can develop screening and treatment plans aimed at the early detection and treatment of cancer, and prevention of coronary artery disease and stroke. This program will save lives. Having this knowledge, and acting on it, can prevent the heartbreak of an advanced cancer diagnosis, or a catastrophic heart attack or stroke. I anticipate that in the future, genetic screening will be part of every patient's personalized health care plan, but until then, we are extremely fortunate to have Rochester Regional offering this for our community. I urge all community members 18 years and older, to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. “