Genetic screening is a technology that looks for mutations in your genes that suggest you’re at risk for certain inherited diseases. Genetic screening is optional, not a routine part of your regular primary care visits. It can check for 2,000 common and rare conditions. 

Genetic test results can be difficult to understand, but the expert team at Cornerstone Primary Care deciphers them for you.

Genetic screening gives you and the doctors at Cornerstone Primary Care valuable information about your health. Reasons you might benefit from genetic screening include:

If you have symptoms of a disease that may be caused by genetic mutations, genetic screening can reveal if you have the disorder. This eliminates unnecessary testing done to rule out other causes.

For men and women with a family history of a genetic disorder, genetic testing is done before you have symptoms of the disease. The screening can tell if you’re at risk of developing the disease in the future.

If you have a family history of a certain genetic disease, you may have testing prior to having children to determine whether you might pass the gene down to your child.

Genetic testing can indicate the type and dosage of medication that might be effective if you have specific health conditions. This is called pharmacogenomic testing, which is cutting edge.

Genetic screening can identify a vast number of diseases for which you might be at risk due to inherited qualities, including:

• Lynch syndrome, which increases your risk of colon cancer
• High cholesterol
• Malignant hyperthermia
• Breast cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psoriasis
• Celiac disease 

Dozens of other conditions can also be screened with testing. Talk to Cornerstone Primary Care to determine if the procedure makes sense for you.

Genetic testing provides you with a lot of insight into your health. You may get some relief if you’re uncertain about your future health. Results of genetic testing also help the doctors make recommendations for treatment or monitoring, so you can reduce your risk of developing a disease.

If you want definitive answers about your health, talk to the providers at Cornerstone Primary Care about genetic testing. Call the office or schedule using the online booking tool today.