Your Genetics, Your story, our Care
The Healthy Nevada Project is partnered with Helix INC, a leading population genomics company who sequences your DNA(known as whole exome sequencing) to help screen for genetic risks. Helix looks at specific locations in your DNA to tell you if you have any identifiable changes, or variants, in your DNA that could put you at increased risk for developing certain hereditary conditions. Specifically, they look at the genes associated with three conditions:
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia, FH – increases a persons risk for heart disease (PCSK9, APOB, LDLR, LDLRAP1)
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, HBOC – increases risk of certain cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- Lynch Syndrome, LS – raises the risk for colon, endometrial and other cancers (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM)
These conditions have been selected because they are actionable. That means if you know you have an increased risk based on your DNA, there are steps you and your healthcare providers can take to reduce or address your health risks. The health risks associated with these conditions are part of a spectrum—some variants can cause a higher risk than others.
The results, both positive or negative, will be populated on your Helix account and included to your medical record to assist with your care plan.
If you are found to be positive for an increased risk, a trained medical professional will contact you. Our program offers a one-time no-cost genetic counseling session that is highly recommended that participants use to better understand their particular family history and how that affects their newly found genetic risk.
KNOWLEGE IS POWER
The Healthy Nevada Project has been delivering potentially life saving genetic results to participants since September 2018 and offers no-cost genetic counseling to any participant found to be at risk for the genetic conditions listed above. Early detection for these conditions can greatly improve health outcomes for patients and identify other family members who may also be at risk.
1 in
250
AMERICANS
FH
Familial Hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder that leads to high levels of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL or what your doctor may refer to as “bad cholesterol”)(1). This disorder can lead to a higher risk of a heart disease at a younger age.
1 in
400
AMERICANS
BREAST AND OVARIAN
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, which is an inherited condition that can lead to an increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic cancer and melanoma.
1 in
500
AMERICANS
LYNCH SYNDROME
A genetic condition that raises your risk of colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and other cancers. It is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)(2). People with Lynch Syndrome are also susceptible to colon polyps at a younger age.