Did your genetic test flag that you’re at risk of a terrible disease? Don’t panic, experts say
Just because a direct-to-consumer test flags that you’re at elevated risk of a disease, it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Continue reading
Genetic Testing
Cancer group hopes new non-discrimination law will encourage more genetic testing
By Heather Yourex-West Network Digital Journalist: Alberta Correspondent
If patients learn they have a genetic risk for disease, they must tell their insurance provider, but that could soon change. Continue reading
MPs to debate controversial bill on genetic testing after intense lobbying
After a flurry of intense lobbying from insurance companies, health charities, a handful of provinces and the justice minister herself, the fate of a controversial genetic testing bill is now in the hands of Parliament. Continue reading
Calgary woman uses genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer
By Carolyn Kury de Castillo Reporter
As many as 6,000 people ran and walked in the annual CIBC Run for the Cure, an event that raises funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Diana Lunn is a regular supporter of the event. The 25-year-old Calgary nurse doesn’t have breast cancer but a few years ago, genetic testing revealed that she carries the BRCA 1 gene mutation which puts her at a high risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Continue reading
Privacy risks lurk in DNA tests, experts warn
You’re not the only person who’s curious about the secrets locked in your DNA, privacy experts warn. Continue reading
‘It can save your life’: Halifax man advocates for genetic testing
By Julia Wong Digital Broadcast Journalist
Westhaver, 56, has lost many family members unexpectedly during his lifetime including his mother, oldest brother and two nephews. Continue reading
N.B. couple worried cancer institute’s lab closure has stalled their results
A New Brunswick couple is worried the closure of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute’s genetic testing lab has stalled their results. Continue reading
Study reveals flaws in gene testing; results often conflict
The first report from a big public-private project to improve genetic testing reveals it is not as rock solid as many people believe, with flaws that result in some people wrongly advised to worry about a disease risk and others wrongly told they can relax. Continue reading
23andMe hires biotech executive in bid to develop its own drugs
Google-backed genetic testing company 23andMe is launching its own drug development unit, betting that it can translate its database of customer DNA information into novel medicines. Continue reading
Heart rhythm disorder can devastate families
When Katherine Dines was ready to start a family, she wanted to make sure there wasn’t something lurking in her genetic makeup that could threaten the health of her children. Continue reading