Prenatal Genetic Testing: When is it “Toxic Knowledge”?
When I was a fetus, I was left alone. My amniotic fluid and chorionic villi were untouched, and I arrived apparently normal, except for a mark on the part of my anatomy where a bullet “directly bit”...
View ArticleGenetic Modifiers: Healthy Mutants Fuel Drug Discovery
I’m uneasy counseling a patient for mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 cancer susceptibility genes. Typically, she’ll have a “first degree relative” – usually a mother or sister – with a related cancer,...
View ArticleGenetic Testing For All: Is It Eugenics?
In recent weeks, there’s been talk of three types of genetic testing transitioning from targeted populations to the general public: carrier screens for recessive diseases, tests for BRCA mutations, and...
View ArticleAssessing Breast Cancer Risk: Beyond the Angelina Effect
On April 30 at 7:30 PM, I’ll be part of a panel on Health Link with Benita Zahn, WMHT TV, to discuss the genetics behind the “Angelina Jolie effect” that has catalyzed testing for the BRCA mutations...
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