Free genetic testing offered by MUSC shows individual health, cancer risks

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—The Medical University of South Carolina is offering free genetic testing to help participants learn more about their genetic risk for certain cancers and heart disease.

The offer is part of the research project In Our DNA SC, which hopes to enroll 100,000 participants. MUSC says a secure and privacy-protected database will be developed over the course of the project.

A sample collection event will be held at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical on Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officials say participants must review and sign a research consent form and provide a saliva sample. That sample will be sent to Helix, a population genomics company and project partner.

When testing is complete, the participant will receive detailed information such as genetic high cholesterol genes, colorectal cancer, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes, and more.

In addition to risks, information will show participants their genetic ancestry and how certain traits are impacted by their genes.

The project’s purpose is to show researchers what might cause certain diseases, effective treatment methods, and how to improve health care over time.

To learn more about the project and contact information, click here.

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