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The family history may be used as a public health tool to identify
individuals at risk for disease and thereby facilitate early diagnosis and
treatment of those potentially affected.
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| "We see so many people in
whom the diagnosis of hemochromatosis is made too late – after
irreversible damage has already occurred. It’s vital that people
with hemochromatosis urge family members to get tested
immediately. Then, if the condition is detected, treatment can
be instituted to prevent organ dysfunction." |
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Pradyumna D. Phatak, MD, FACP
Chief, Hematology/ Medical Oncology
Rochester General Hospital |
In the absence of genetic testing, family history can be used as a tool
to determine risk for common chronic diseases and thereby identify
individuals with increased disease susceptibility.
Content in this module includes
- Family history as a tool to identify family members at risk.
- Downloadable information for patients and their
families.
- Usefulness and limitations of genetic testing.
- Basic genetic counseling.
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