By studying similarities in high-risk individuals and tracing connections between their blood relatives, researchers are helping solve the mysteries of a disease that is usually diagnosed in the late stages, when it is harder to treat.
Cancer Genetics
Epigenetics describes how normal genes that control the body’s functions can be switched on or off by different exposures and experiences, from before birth through adulthood. These changes could potentially affect the health of our offspring for generations.
A genetic consultation is often recommended for people who are concerned about their risk for cancer due to a personal or family history of cancer.
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing very specific types of childhood leukemia, but Eugene Yu, PhD, has an additional reason to focus on the genetic mysteries of Down syndrome.