I have an update on a very cool DNA test that I took as part of a campaign I started working on earlier this year. Counsyl, a health technology company that offers DNA testing for men, women, and their children, approached me to try their Inherited Cancer Screen back in early February, and I was more than excited to take the test and share my results. The Counsyl Inherited Cancer Screen can look into your DNA to see if you’re more likely to develop certain types of inherited cancers at some point in your life.
I know almost nothing about my medical history, because I’m not connected with most of my biological family. The dad who raised me wasn’t my biological father, and my mom was adopted, so my health history reaches only as far as her. However, I know that even people who do grow up with their biological parents often share the issue of not knowing their complete medical background. Not knowing their parents full background is even more common. This is where DNA testing can be really useful in finding certain cancer genes passed down through families.
About six weeks ago, I wrote about how my life has been touched by cancer in this blog. My dad passed away from cancer three years ago this month, and watching him suffer for so long made me want to do everything I could to lower the risk of another family member or myself from meeting the same fate. So since then, I ordered my DNA test for the Counsyl Inherited Cancer Screen online with my doctor’s approval, took the test, and got my results. The whole process was so easy…
My DNA testing kit arrived in the mail only a couple days after I placed my order online. My primary care physician was already on the list of providers on Counsyl’s website, so the whole ordering process only took a few minutes.
I’ve taken home DNA tests before when I was researching my family tree, so I was already familiar with the collection procedure. But even if you’ve never taken a home DNA test, the process is super simple.
The kit includes detailed easy-to-follow instructions and everything you need for collection and return shipping. From opening the box and reading the directions to collecting my sample and packing up everything for shipment, the time commitment was only about 15 minutes.
About two weeks after returning my kit, I got an email saying that my results were in. I only had to click the link in the email and log in to Counsyl’s website to view my results.
The results also came with a video that explained exactly what my negative results meant. Everything was explained in easy-to-understand terms, and I finished feeling empowered by this new knowledge about my health profile.
[Click here to watch a short video about the Counsyl Inherited Cancer Screen]
The video was extremely helpful in explaining my test results, but the service didn’t end there. Counsyl allows everyone who takes the test to schedule a phone consultation, which is included as part of taking the test, with one of their genetic counselors. Their included telephone consult gives you direct access to their team of genetic counselors, who can explain your results and any next steps.
I’m a huge technology nerd, and even though I believe strongly in many natural healing practices like meditation, I’m grateful for innovations like DNA testing and what it could mean for the prevention of devastating diseases like cancer.
The Counsyl Inherited Cancer Screen assesses your risks for certain types of cancer such as breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers based on your DNA, and if you test positive, you have the power to act early on. By working with your doctor, you can build a proactive health and risk reduction plan including early detection. Detecting cancer early increases survival rates—the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 98.6% when caught in early stages.
And I did end up using meditation while going through this testing process. There was a short amount of time that I was feeling anxious about what the results may be, and I used one of my favorite mantras to ease my worry…
This mantra card is part of my first 21-Day Mantra Challenge that I’d love to invite you to if you haven’t joined already. You’ll get a new mantra every day for 21 days, delivered to your inbox. It’s a totally free gift from my heart to yours. Start the challenge here.
If you’re curious about your risks for cancer, definitely visit Counsyl.com for more info or ask your physician about taking the test. I’m so glad that I did.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Counsyl. The opinions and text are all mine.