How can you and your family be proactive about  hereditary cancer and save loved ones lives? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman discusses the critical issues surrounding hereditary cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome, which affect millennials. The conversation highlights an innovative new research study at MD Anderson Cancer Center called IGNITE-TX that is working to save the lives of those who test positive for a hereditary cancer syndrome and their families.

Melissa talks with the study’s head researcher and gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, and research fellow, Dr. Karla Barajas, both from MD Anderson Cancer Center, who share insights on the prevalence of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome, the importance of genetic testing, and the innovative approaches being taken in their study to increase awareness and genetic testing rates among at-risk individuals. The discussion highlights the significance of education, support systems, and the need for further research to improve preventive care in the healthcare system.

Dr. Rauh-Hain and Dr. Barajas share the preliminary findings of the IGNITE-TX Study and how you and your family members can get involved involved. 

🎧 Tune in now to learn how the IGNITE-TX Study can provide a path to free genetic screenings for those who are eligible and share this episode with a friend!

Highlights: 

• (00:00) Introduction to Why My Health Podcast
• (01:02) Understanding Hereditary Cancer Risks
• (05:53) The IGNITE-TX Study Overview
• (09:34) Pilot Study Insights and Goals
• (16:39) Study Design and Cascade Genetic Testing
• (24:27) Educational Modules and Their Importance
• (29:29) Preliminary Results and Future Directions
• (39:14) How to Participate in the Study and How to Get Connected

Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

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Learn more about this episode’s guests, Dr. Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain here and Dr. Karla Barajas here
 
Interested in the IGNITE-TX Study?  Learn how you and your family members can easily participate when recruitment starts up here:  https://www.ignitetxstudy.com/   And follow them on Instagram @ignitestudytx and Facebook at IGNITE-TX for study updates!
You can also reach the team via email at: [email protected]

Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at [email protected]. We will be answering your questions in our upcoming Q&A.

Learn about YMyHealth’s Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com