HudsonAlpha offers genetic testing for cancer risk
Thanks to a donation from the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation and community leaders, The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, is offering free genetic testing for cancer risk to people in North Alabama for the fifth year.
Beginning November 7, 2019, any woman or man ages 28 to 30 in Madison, Limestone, Jackson, Marshall or Morgan County may take the Information is Power test for FREE (born between November 7, 1989 to November 7, 1991). Other adults, 19 and older residing in those counties, may take the test for a reduced cost of $129. There is also the opportunity to GIFT A TEST to someone who might be interested in this potentially life-saving information.
The test, offered by Kailos Genetics, tests the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as several dozen other genes linked to breast, ovarian, colon, and other cancers.
The initiative continues through November 8, 2020.
What is the Information is Power genetic test?
The take-at-home test, developed and offered by Kailos Genetics, tests for the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as several dozen other genes linked to an increased risk of developing breast, ovarian, colon, and other cancers.
A simple cheek swab could help empower you to make important health care decisions for you and your family. A positive test doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop cancer, and a negative test doesn’t mean you will be cancer-free. However, with the results of the test, you along with your physician can make more informed choices for managing your cancer risk.
What you learn about your own genes also has a potential impact on your family members. Genes are inherited, and finding out about a genetic risk factor may provide information for your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and other relatives who are also at an increased risk.
If you receive a positive result from the Information is Power test, meaning a genetic risk factor is found, a genetic counselor will call you and your healthcare provider to discuss the result and next steps in more detail.
