Information for Clients
Genetic Services in Oregon
What Are Genetic Services?
Paying for Cancer Genetic Services
What Your Genes Say About You
Our genes play an important role in our overall health. Nine out of the top 10 causes of death for Oregonians have genetic components. Our chance of developing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer can be increased by having a family health history of the condition.
Family health history reflects the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors shared within families. Luckily, by understanding our personal risk factors, we can take specific action to reduce our risk, such as having screenings early and/or more often, making lifestyle changes, continuing healthy behavior, and taking appropriate medications.
By studying the relationship between our genes, the environment, and our behaviors, researchers and clinicians can learn why some people get sick, while others do not. This better understanding of genetic and family history information can help identify and evaluate screening and other interventions that can improve health and prevent disease.