ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Regional Health is marking one year of its genetic screening program and addressing concerns about the privacy of patients’ genetic data.
More than 27,000 patients have enrolled in the program and received more than 17,000 test results since the program’s inception. The program tests for conditions like heart disease and multiple cancers.
So far, 287 patients have tested positive for one of the three conditions the program tests for. The program tests for high cholesterol and heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
“I had no fear about them finding something. It was more…with a positive result,” said Jeb Albro, a participant who tested positive for risk of breast and prostate cancer.
Officials say a positive result doesn’t mean you will get that disease or cancer, but that you have the genetic code for it.
People can signup for free and get blood drawn at any RRH lab. Test results usually take a few weeks.
Patients can take their test results with them if they switch to a provider outside of Rochester Regional Health. Officials say they will not sell genetic information or give it to anyone.
To learn more about the program, go to RRH’s website here.
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