FDA investigates new controversial genetic testing.

Ellen Matloff, MS, Director of the Yale Cancer Center Genetic Counseling Program, recently participated in interviews for NBC Nightly News and The Today Show with health correspondent Robert Bazell to discuss the commercial availability of genetic testing kits. Walgreen's had planned to sell genetic testing kits through their stores throughout the country beginning today, but later announced they will delay their plans. Click on the above light blue link to see the video. Read more!

New video!

Please click on the above light blue link to visit our new video featuring Ellen, a healthy woman who learned that she carries a BRCA mutation. Ellen’s mother died from ovarian cancer and she is of Jewish ancestry. In her video, she discusses her experiences with genetic counseling, talking with her children about her result and her decision process to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy. Also hear from her husband, who discusses what this experience was like for him. Thank you for sharing your story Ellen! Read more!

Our video library is expanding!

Our video library is expanding! Please click on the above light blue link to view our recently uploaded video featuring Tracey. Based on her personal history of breast cancer and her family history of ovarian cancer, Tracey chose to pursue genetic counseling and learned that she carried a BRCA mutation. In her video, she discusses her difficult decision to have her ovaries removed and her concerns about the possible menopausal side effects from that surgery. Thanks for sharing your story Tracey! Read more!

Myriad raises price of BRCA testing, again.

On April 1, 2010 - three days after a court ruling that invalidated Myriad's patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) the company increased their prices for genetic testing. Old cost =$3,770. New cost = $4,040 for full sequencing plus rearrangement testing.

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Congratulations to Christina Appelgate!

Congratulations to Christina Applegate on her recent engagement! Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36, and learned that she carries a BRCA1 mutation and chose to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. She reports that her fiancé has been "incredible" through her diagnosis and surgery. Follow the light blue link above to hear Christina's interview on Access Hollywood about breast reconstruction. Read more!

The latest version of Cancer Bytes is now available!

Check out the latest version of Cancer Bytes: Straight Talk about Early-Onset Ovarian Cancer. Click on the above light blue link to listen to this interview.

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Should our genes be patented?

Myriad’s patents on the BRCA genes (associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) include a sequence of DNA that is found in millions of other locations in the genome. Anyone making, using, selling, or importing this segment is in violation of these patents. Upon inspection, these patents appear to be surprisingly broad, and if enforced would have substantial implications for medical practice and scientific research. What do you think: should our genes be patented? Read more!

"A Body Resculpted"

Click on the above light blue link to read Ms. Freedman Roth's intimate essay entitled "A Body Resculpted" about her journey through breast surgery and reconstruction. Read more!

In Depth Report on Gene Patenting

Follow the above light blue link to view CBS's 60 Minutes segment on gene patenting and what the ACLU is doing to ensure no one can patent your genes!

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Gene Patenting Featured on 60 Minutes

60 Minutes examines the idea of biotech firms patenting genes for profit! Tune in on Sunday, April 4th at 7 pm. Click the above light blue link to see a preview. Read more!