23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

Improving Health Through Genetics in the Black Community


<p><strong>Health Huddle LIVE from New Orleans</strong> brought together top athletes, medical professionals, and community leaders for powerful conversations on health, genetics, and early detection. Hosted at <strong>Dillard University during Super Bowl Week</strong>, the event was part of 23andMe’s <strong>Community Health Huddle</strong>, featuring expert panels and free health screenings.<br></p>



<p><strong>Watch the Highlights</strong>: </p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="The 23andMe Health Huddle: Live from New Orleans" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5hOR4o5PkAU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experts-athletes-amp-actionable-insights"><strong>Experts, Athletes &amp; Actionable Insights</strong></h2>



<p>Panelists included <strong>Dr. Jen Caldwell, Dr. Joel Bervell</strong>, and <strong>Dr. Mathew Knowles</strong>—a breast cancer survivor and 23andMe Global Brand Ambassador—who shared personal stories and insights on <strong>health disparities, preventive medicine, and genetic testing</strong>. They were joined by <strong>NFL Total Health Ambassadors</strong>, highlighting how genetic insights shape performance, recovery, and longevity in sports.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Genetic Testing Saves Lives</strong> – Understanding your genetic risks enables <strong>early detection and prevention</strong>, reducing the burden of chronic diseases.<br></li>



<li><strong>Your Family History is Your Health Roadmap</strong> – What runs in your family <strong>doesn’t have to define your future</strong>, but knowing your risks empowers healthier decisions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Health Inequities Must Be Addressed</strong> – <strong>Underserved communities</strong> continue to lack access to vital genetic and preventive care. This must change.<br></li>



<li><strong>Athletes Rely on Science to Perform &amp; Recover</strong> – The same genetic insights that help pros <strong>optimize their health</strong> can help everyone make more informed health choices.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-event-driving-change"><strong>Beyond the Event: Driving Change</strong></h2>



<p>Health Huddle LIVE reinforced a core truth: <strong>genetic insights aren’t just about ancestry—they’re a tool for taking control of your health and advocating for better healthcare access</strong>. By bringing together medicine, sports, and community leadership, 23andMe continues to lead the movement for <strong>health equity and empowerment</strong>.</p>



<p><br>#HealthHuddleLIVE #GeneticHealth #CommunityWellness</p>


Inside Health Huddle LIVE: Athletes, Experts & Doctors on Longevity, Genetics & Wellness


<p><strong><em>This is part of an ongoing series of posts we plan to publish in order to help raise further awareness of lung cancer. We hope to highlight the work of the 20+ lung cancer patient advocacy organizations collaborating with us on our recently launched </em></strong><a href="https://www.23andme.com/lung-cancer/"><strong><em>Lung Cancer Genetics Study</em></strong></a><strong><em>.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>



<p>It&#8217;s not as if lung cancer is an obscure disease, and yet facts about lung cancer are not well known.</p>



<p>23andMe wants to spotlight the disease while also highlighting our efforts with our Lung Cancer Genetics Study and the work of more than 20 organizations collaborating with us on this important new research, which aims to identify genetic risk factors that contribute to lung cancer. Ultimately the goal of the study is to improve prevention, detection and treatment for lung cancer.</p>



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<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong><em>Read our previous post:</em></strong> <a href="http://A Legacy of Hope in the Fight Against Lung Cancer"><em>A Legacy of Hope in the Fight Against Lung Cancer</em></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>



<p>Lung cancer is the<a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21834#:~:text=Lung%20cancer%20was%20the%20most,(both%20cases%20and%20deaths)."> leading cause of cancer death worldwide</a>. In the US, it accounts for one in five cancer deaths and kills nearly as many people each year<a href="https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf"> as colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined</a>. These staggering statistics underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and more research.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dispelling-common-myths-about-lung-cancer">Dispelling Common Myths About Lung Cancer</h2>



<p>Our first post in this series looked at the origins of our <a href="https://www.23andme.com/lung-cancer/">Lung Cancer Genetics Study</a> and how the collaboration started. This one focuses on myths and facts about lung cancer, and we are again leaning on the expertise of some of our collaborators. This time, we talked to leaders from the LUNGevity Foundation and Upstage Lung Cancer. They shared some common misconceptions about lung cancer and some facts they wished more people knew.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myth-only-people-who-smoke-get-lung-cancer"><strong>Myth: Only People Who Smoke Get Lung Cancer</strong></h3>



<p><strong>No, it&#8217;s not just people with a history of tobacco exposure who get lung cancer.</strong></p>



<p>Among lung cancer survivors and advocates, this pervasive myth about lung cancer being only a disease for people who have smoked is particularly vexing, and it’s not true.</p>



<p>Indeed, cigarette smoking is strongly linked to lung cancer, but as advocates like to say, <em>&#8220;anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, but no one deserves it.&#8221;</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fact-many-risk-factors-play-a-role-in-lung-cancer"><strong>Fact: Many Risk Factors Play a Role in Lung Cancer</strong></h3>



<p>&#8220;All the warnings about the dangers of tobacco exposure, which are totally legitimate, got people to make this very powerful association — tobacco exposure leads to cancer, but it&#8217;s <strong>not the only cause</strong>. Making this connection, we often ignore other causes,&#8221; said Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of Research for the non-profit LUNGevity Foundation<strong>. </strong>&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to see beyond tobacco exposure.&#8221;</p>



<p>“Active tobacco exposure is indeed an important risk factor that’s been well-studied. However, <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/why-lung-cancer-strikes-nonsmokers.html">other risk factors</a>, such as radon exposure, passive (or secondhand) tobacco exposure, occupational exposures, air pollution, and genetics, all can play a role in lung cancer development. Often, it is a complex mix of many of those factors that contribute to why some people develop lung cancer”, said Upal.</p>



<p>In 2019, <a href="https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf">nearly 15% of lung cancers</a> were not related to direct tobacco exposure. To put that into perspective, lung cancer in people who never smoked cigarettes, or LCINS, would be ranked in the<a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21820"> top ten causes of cancer deaths</a> if ranked separately from tobacco exposure–related lung cancer. LCINS is on the rise, and more research is needed to have an accurate estimate of the true numbers of LCINS today.</p>



<p>&#8220;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2409903/">80 to 90% of people</a> with tobacco exposure <em>never</em> get lung cancer, while many people <em>without</em> tobacco exposure get the disease,&#8221; said Upal. &#8220;It&#8217;s incredibly complex. We haven&#8217;t unpacked how much a role all these contributing factors play, and that&#8217;s why this genetic study is so interesting. It offers a chance to learn more about the nature of the disease and how these factors might interact.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lung-cancer-screening-and-early-detection">Lung Cancer Screening and Early Detection</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myth-there-s-no-way-to-detect-lung-cancer-early"><strong>Myth: There’s No Way to Detect Lung Cancer Early</strong></h3>



<div style="float: right; text-align: justified; width: 300px; background-color: #F2F5F7; padding: 15px; margin-left: 10px; border-radius: 16px;">
    <p><strong>Current US screening recommendations include:</strong></p>
    <ul style="padding-left: 20px; margin-top: 5px;">
        <li><em>Ages 50–80</li>
        <li>20-pack-year cigarette smoking history</li>
        <li>Currently smoking or having quit within the last 15 years</em></li>
    </ul>
</div>




<p><strong>Lung cancer screening exists — but not everyone at risk is eligible. </strong>There is a strong association between tobacco use and lung cancer, and current guidelines consider this history for screening eligibility. <a href="https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening">Current US guidelines</a> recommend screening for people ages 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-year cigarette smoking history and currently smoke tobacco or have quit within the last 15 years.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who are eligible for lung cancer screening don’t receive it. According to the American Lung Association, <a href="https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer/key-findings">only 16% of eligible people were screened</a> for lung cancer in 2024. Much work remains to ensure everyone eligible for screening knows about and has access to this life-saving healthcare measure. And additional progress is needed to expand lung cancer screening to include others at high risk, like those who have never smoked.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fact-not-everyone-at-risk-of-lung-cancer-is-currently-eligible-for-screening-nbsp"><strong>Fact: Not Everyone at Risk of Lung Cancer is Currently Eligible for Screening&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>While lung cancer in people with a smoking history is more common in men, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11014425/">two-thirds of people diagnosed with LCINS are women</a>. <a href="https://upstagelungcancer.org/hildys-story/">Hildy Grossman</a>, who describes herself as a clinical psychologist by day and a jazz singer by night, is one of those women diagnosed with lung cancer who’d smoked cigarettes as a teenager but quit at age twenty.</p>



<p>Hildy was diagnosed in December of 2006 by chance. She’d slipped on the threshold of a narrow stairway, resulting in pain in her wrist. After a series of missed diagnoses, Hildy eventually had an MRI to determine if a pinched nerve in her back was causing the pain. Instead, the MRI showed two spots on her lungs. A biopsy revealed it was lung cancer. Her doctor told her how lucky she&#8217;d been that they caught it early, saying, “Somebody up there likes you!” Since her tumor was diagnosed so early (stage 1A), her treatment only required surgery, which she had in January 2007.</p>



<p>&#8220;As I came to terms with (the diagnosis), I asked myself, ‘Why me?’ Not ‘why did I get lung cancer,’ but ‘why was I able to find it so early and survive,’” Hildy said. The question prompted her to start<a href="https://upstagelungcancer.org/"> Upstage Lung Cancer</a>, an organization using music and the performing arts to raise awareness and support lung cancer research. Hildy is both the founder and president of the board.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-expanded-screening-criteria"><strong>The Need for Expanded Screening Criteria</strong></h3>



<p>While current lung cancer screening guidelines have <a href="https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer/key-findings">saved many lives</a> by detecting cancer early, they also miss many others who may be at risk but who never smoked, or like Hildy, who quit cigarette smoking many years earlier. The problem is that there aren&#8217;t yet criteria outside of tobacco use for identifying those who are at the highest risk and could benefit most from screening. Without early detection, many lung cancers are not diagnosed before symptoms appear, such as a persistent cough or coughing up blood. And by the time symptoms occur, it’s likely the cancer has spread and will be harder to treat. In contrast, people diagnosed with cancer in its earlier stages tend to live longer or can even be cured. Lingering misconceptions about who is at risk leave many people vulnerable.</p>



<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s why early detection research (part of the Lung Cancer Genetics Study) is so important,&#8221; Hildy said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-one-disease">Beyond One Disease</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myth-all-lung-cancer-is-the-same">Myth: All Lung Cancer is the Same</h3>



<p>There are<a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html"> two main types of lung cancer</a> — non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Eighty to 85%of lung cancer cases are non-small cell, and 10 to 15% are small cell. Then, there are numerous subtypes within those types of lung cancer, said Upal.</p>



<p>&#8220;And the biology is different, which has implications for how the lung cancer is treated,&#8221; said Upal.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fact-biomarker-testing-can-identify-lung-cancer-subtypes-and-guide-treatment">Fact: Biomarker Testing Can Identify Lung Cancer Subtypes and Guide Treatment</h3>



<p>Some lung cancer subtypes are defined by specific changes in the cancer cells, known as oncogenic driver mutations. These mutations speed up cancer growth. Some of these subtypes can be identified through <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/biomarker-testing">biomarker testing</a>, which looks for genetic changes in specific genes like EGFR, ALK, RET, or HER2. Discovering whether a tumor has one of these mutations — a biomarker — can help doctors choose the best treatment options, including targeted therapies for specific mutations.</p>



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                <a href="https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung-metastatic-patient.pdf" target="_blank" style="text-align: center;">
                    Biomarker tests for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
                </a>
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            <td>ALK<br>BRAF</td>
            <td>EGFR<br>ERBB2 / HER2</td>
            <td>KRAS <br>MET</td>
            <td>NRG1*<br>NTRK</td>
            <td>PD-L1<br>RET</td>
            <td>ROS1</td>
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<p>*A <a href="https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/accelerated-approval-for-drug-targeting-nrg1/">targeted therapy for NRG1 mutations</a> was also recently approved by the FDA.</p>



<p>However, only some people who might benefit from biomarker testing receive it. For example, one study examined rates of biomarker testing in more than 17,000 people who were diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer between 2015 and 2021. This study found that while testing rates increased over time, nearly <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9168140/">one-third of people did not receive comprehensive biomarker testing</a> by 2020. <a href="https://www.onclive.com/view/global-survey-examines-barriers-to-optimal-lung-cancer-biomarker-testing">Barriers to biomarker testing are complex</a> and include issues like cost, time, tumor sample quality, and lack of awareness of the value of testing. These challenges emphasize the importance of insurance coverage for biomarker testing and approved targeted therapies, increased education of healthcare providers, and <a href="https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/for-patients/comprehensive-biomarker-testing-for-lung-cancer/">self-advocacy</a> by patients and caregivers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-the-conversation-on-lung-cancer-awareness">Continuing the Conversation on Lung Cancer Awareness</h2>



<p>Misconceptions like the ones addressed here represent just some of the many challenges faced by people diagnosed with lung cancer. As part of our lung cancer blog series, we will continue to amplify the voices of patient advocates and raise awareness of these and other little-known facts about the disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Visit our <a href="https://www.23andme.com/lung-cancer/">Lung Cancer Genetics Study page </a>to learn more about the 23andMe study, our collaborators, and eligibility criteria.</p>


Illustration of lungs on a background with a larger illustration of lungs

Lung Cancer Awareness: Myths, Facts & the Need for More Research


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="504" height="469" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/23andmelabs.png" alt="Image announcing 23andMe Labs showing phone screen results for Biological Age, Lipoprotein(a), and Women's Health Pannel" class="wp-image-33709" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/23andmelabs.png 504w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/23andmelabs-300x279.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-a-more-complete-picture-of-your-health-with-dna-amp-blood-tests">Get a More Complete Picture of Your Health with DNA &amp; Blood Tests</h2>



<p>Your genetics are only half the story—23andMe is bringing you a more complete picture. Our genetic insights reveal what you may be predisposed to, and now we offer blood testing<sup data-fn="645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4" class="fn"><a id="645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4-link" href="#645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4">1</a></sup> to show what’s happening in your body right now. By combining both, we’re giving you a more complete, real-time view of your health, so you can make more informed decisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-types-of-blood-tests-does-23andme-offer">What Types of Blood Tests Does 23andMe Offer?</h2>



<p>There are eight panels to choose from, depending on what you&#8217;re looking to track or understand better:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-optimization"><strong>Health Optimization</strong></h3>



<p>Perfect for tracking your progress toward health goals and spotting areas where you might need to make adjustments.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Biological Age Panel:<sup data-fn="49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272" class="fn"><a id="49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272-link" href="#49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272">2</a></sup> Find out your biological age and see which areas of your health could use some extra attention.</li>



<li>Essential Vitamin Panel: Discover any nutrient imbalances so you can focus on what’s missing in your diet and wellness routine.</li>



<li>Essential Heart Health Panel: Check in on your heart health with important measurements related to cholesterol and blood sugar.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-monitoring-nbsp"><strong>Proactive Monitoring</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These panels focus on measuring biomarkers linked to conditions that might be identified in your genetic results<sup data-fn="62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8" class="fn"><a id="62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8-link" href="#62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8">3</a></sup>*** or family history.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-7.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33725"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33727"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33728"/></figure>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Advanced Cardiovascular Panel: Get a more comprehensive look at your heart disease risk with additional specialized markers like ApoB and Lp(a), which are not typically checked.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Related genetic reports: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/coronary-artery-disease/">Coronary Artery Disease</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/triglycerides/">Triglycerides</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/ldl-cholesterol/">LDL Cholesterol</a>, and more.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Thyroid Function Test: Measures TSH levels to help detect thyroid issues, which might explain symptoms like low energy or slow metabolism.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Related genetic reports: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/hashimotos-disease">Hashimoto’s Disease</a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Liver &amp; Metabolic Health Panel: Assesses markers related to liver function, cholesterol, and blood sugar to give a clear picture of your metabolism.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Related genetic reports: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency/">Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/">Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">Type 2 Diabetes</a>, and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-annual-check-ups"><strong>Annual Check-ups</strong></h3>



<p>These are the things you should check in on at least once a year for a consistent health snapshot. We include both commonly monitored biomarkers and some that are not typically included in check-ups.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33715"/></figure>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Men’s Health Panel: A specialized blood test for men, and people assigned male at birth, including testosterone levels.</li>



<li>Women’s Health Panel: A specialized test for women, and people assigned female at birth, covering important factors like thyroid health.</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Note that customers will only see a maximum of one of these two panels depending on their account settings.&nbsp;</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlight-on-biological-age">Spotlight on Biological Age</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33713"/></figure>



<p>If you’re a member of 23andMe+ Total Health™, you can already access the Biological Age feature and can see how it changes with your regular, twice a year blood testing. Now other 23andMe customers are able to purchase the lab test that powers this feature and see their biological age as well. Your biological age is a measure of how your physical health compares to your calendar age. It’s determined using a machine learning model that looks at 13 key biomarkers to estimate how these factors impact your overall health and longevity.</p>



<p>Why does this matter? Because it can give you more insight than just checking if individual biomarkers fall within the “healthy” range. Even if a specific biomarker looks good on its own, how it interacts with others could reveal areas where your health isn’t as optimal as it could be. If your biological age is higher than your actual age, it might be a sign that certain aspects of your health need attention.</p>



<p>Learning about your biological age is a powerful way to understand your overall health and longevity. By understanding which biomarkers are affecting your biological age, you can make more informed decisions about what areas of your health to focus on for the future. You can also monitor your biological age over time as your biomarkers change. Unlike other ways of measuring biological age, we choose this biomarker-based method because your biomarkers change relatively quickly in response to healthy changes you make, letting you see the impact of those changes on your overall health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlock-more-of-your-health-today">Unlock More of Your Health Today</h2>



<p>At 23andMe, we believe that knowing both your genetic and current health status is the key to making smarter, more proactive decisions about your well-being. By offering these blood tests, we’re making it easier than ever for you to stay on top of your health—today and for the years to come!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-lab-work-works-for-23andme-customers">How lab work works for 23andMe customers</h3>



<p>Yes! Eligible customers can now order one of eight different blood test packages directly from 23andMe. If you’re a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium</a>™ member you can order tests at a 20% discount. And if you&#8217;re a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/">23andMe+ Total Health</a>™ member you already have access to comprehensive blood testing twice a year, but you can now order additional tests at a 50% discount. Here&#8217;s how it works:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Pick a Package: Choose the one that matches your health concerns or what you&#8217;re curious to learn about.</li>



<li>Clinical Review: A member of the clinical team will review your order and send it to the lab (usually within one business day).</li>



<li>Schedule a Visit: Book an appointment at a nearby patient service center to get your blood drawn.</li>



<li>Get Your Results: Once your results are ready, we’ll send them to you, along with personalized analysis from the clinical team.</li>
</ol>



<p></p>


<ol class="wp-block-footnotes"><li id="645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4">Blood testing services are available to eligible customers over 18 years of age after completion of an intake questionnaire that must be reviewed, approved and ordered by a third-party clinician. Lab services are for in-person blood testing at a Quest patient service center. Not available in NY, NJ, RI, OK, HI, PR <a href="#645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4-link" aria-label="Jump to footnote reference 1">↩︎</a></li><li id="49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272">The information provided in the Biological Age feature is intended for informational use only, has not been reviewed by a clinician, and is not intended to provide medical advice. <a href="#49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272-link" aria-label="Jump to footnote reference 2">↩︎</a></li><li id="62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8">The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. <strong>Warnings &amp; Limitations:</strong> The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of 44 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The report describes if a person&#8217;s genetic result is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and potentially other cancers. The variants included in this report do not represent the majority of the BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in people of most ethnicities. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. This report is for over-the-counter use by adults over the age of 18, and provides genetic information to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/"><strong>23andme.com/test-info/</strong></a> <a href="#62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8-link" aria-label="Jump to footnote reference 3">↩︎</a></li></ol>

Image announcing 23andMe Labs showing phone screen results for Biological Age, Lipoprotein(a), and Women's Health Pannel

23andMe is Expanding Access to Blood Testing Including Biological Age


<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-post-has-been-updated-it-was-originally-published-on-august-8-2024"><em>This post has been updated. It was originally published on August 8, 2024.</em></h6>



<p>On August 8th, 2024, 23andMe launched a new large-scale study looking at the genetics behind why GLP-1 weight loss drugs work for some of us but not others and whether genetics play a role for those who experience side effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-data">Big Data</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="234" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Data-Screen-300x234.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30871" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Data-Screen-300x234.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Data-Screen.jpg 531w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



<p>Because of the massive scale of the 23andMe research database, our scientists believe we can quickly scale this study and leverage the millions of people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research to gain insights into these widely used medications. Our goal is to recruit 10,000 research participants for this study.</p>



<p>“Leveraging the world’s largest genetic and phenotypic database for research, we aim to study real-world evidence of GLP-1 efficacy to discover genetic predictors of response to treatment,” said Michael Holmes, MD &amp; Ph.D., 23andMe Principal Scientist for Research Innovation, who’ll be overseeing this research. “Identifying genetic predictors through leveraging discoveries from the 23andMe Research Cohort consisting of millions of individuals facilitates precision medicine by deriving a genetically predicted treatment response personalized to each individual”, he added. “We expect this to accelerate precision medicine in the burgeoning field of weight loss medicines.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-availability">GLP-1 Availability</h2>



<p>In conjunction with this study, 23andMe’s telehealth platform, Lemonaid Health, provides a weight loss membership program. This program includes prescription GLP-1 medication and clinical consultations. <a href="https://www.lemonaidhealth.com/services/weight-loss">Learn more about the Lemonaid weight loss membership here.</a></p>



<p>The weight loss management service fits within 23andMe’s broader strategy of delivering services to improve people’s health through prevention. The hope is that the GLP-1 research study will deepen our understanding of the efficacy of GLP-1s for weight loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-weight">Genetic Weight</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="297" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-300x297.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-25105" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-300x297.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-768x760.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-880x871.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report.jpg 1154w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



<p>For several years, scientists at 23andMe have<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/weight-loss-study"> studied weight loss</a> and related issues, such as how a person’s genetics affect their response to<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-explores-dietary-habit-and-health-outcomes"> diet</a> and<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/step-it-up-for-research"> exercise</a>. In 2017, the company began offering customers a<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-releases-first-of-its-kind-genetic-weight-report"> Genetic Weight Report</a> powered by 23andMe research that looks at hundreds of genetic variants to provide a genetic predisposition to weighting more or less than average. This report complements the Saturated Fat &amp; Weight Report, which offers personalized insights about the effects of saturated fat intake on weight and provides motivation to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/tipping-scales-participants-make-healthy-dietary-changes-response-direct-consumer-genetic-test-results">make healthy dietary changes</a>. In addition to these reports, 23andMe+ Premium members can see their Genetic Weight Type and see what healthy actions may be more impactful on their weight.</p>



<p>Many people struggle with maintaining a healthy weight. More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, leading to many downstream adverse health outcomes, according to<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity"> data from the National Institutes of Health</a>. Many of these people have tried and struggled to lose weight either through diet or exercise, which partly explains the recent surge in popularity of GLP-1s. One in eight adults in the US report using a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, diabetes, or heart disease, according to<a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/press-release/poll-1-in-8-adults-say-theyve-taken-a-glp-1-drug-including-4-in-10-of-those-with-diabetes-and-1-in-4-of-those-with-heart-disease/"> a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-use-of-glp-1s">The Growing Use of GLP-1s</h2>



<p>GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone released during digestion. Their role is to prompt the body to produce insulin, which, in turn, reduces blood sugar. The hormone also interacts with the brain and reduces appetite. Along with aiding in weight loss, the drugs have proven effective for treating chronic conditions like <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes">type 2 diabetes</a> and<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or"> heart disease</a>. There is even early evidence that GLP-1s may help with<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2312323"> Parkinson’s disease</a>,<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36870080/"> arthritis</a>,<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2817996"> Alzheimer’s</a>, and<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404881"> sleep apnea</a>.</p>



<p>While the drugs can be<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-02996-7"> highly effective for some people</a>, they are not effective for everyone. GLP-1s also carry a risk for side effects that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, they can lead to more severe side effects such as pancreatitis, kidney problems, bowel obstruction, or allergic reactions. 23andMe’s scientists want to understand why and explore potential genetic associations related to the drug&#8217;s efficacy and some of these side effects. The research will follow participants over time to know how these medications work.</p>



<p>The GLP-1 Medications Survey is available to 23andMe customers who have consented to participate in Research. If you are interested in participating, please <a href="https://you.23andme.com/research/surveys/glp1_medications">complete the survey here.</a></p>


23andMe Launches Genetic Study of GLP-1s


<p>This Black History Month, we’re expanding our Historical Matches<sup>SM</sup> feature to include 16 new historical African and African American individuals from the U.S. and Mexico. Their genomes were sequenced as part of two powerful studies that demonstrate how ancient DNA can help shed light on the lives of individuals who were left out of the historical record.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-three-african-individuals-in-colonial-mexico">The Story of Three African Individuals in Colonial Mexico</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33704" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-768x432.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-880x495.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-1180x664.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Three individuals were buried in a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32359431/">16th century mass grave in Mexico City</a>. Through ancient DNA and anthropological analysis, researchers identified them as first-generation Africans who were likely forcibly transported to Mexico as part of the transatlantic slave trade. Their DNA revealed close ties to present-day Central-Western African populations. Further analysis showed that one individual was infected with hepatitis B, while another may have suffered from yaws, a bacterial infection affecting the skin, bones, and joints.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-catoctin-furnace-ironworkers">The Story of Catoctin Furnace Ironworkers</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33703" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-768x432.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-880x495.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-1180x664.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>We’ve also expanded the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535739/">Catoctin Furnace Ironworkers</a> group, which now includes all 22 African Americans whose genomes were analyzed in our 2022 study where we introduced the technology that drives our Historical Matches feature, which is available to all 23andMe+ Premium members. In addition to the nine previously included individuals, we just added 13 more African Americans who were likely enslaved at the site. Their DNA isn’t as well preserved, meaning genetic matches to them should be interpreted with some caution. But we felt it was important to include them—to acknowledge their lives and their contributions to early American history.</p>



<p>We hope that these new updates to the Historical Matches feature highlight how ancient DNA can help us to restore the memory of individuals whose history may previously have been overlooked.</p>


Reclaiming Lost Connections: How Historical Matches Sheds Light on Forgotten Lives


<p>In the latest update to 23andMe’s Ancestry Composition report, we’ve added 50 new Genetic Groups in Canada, connecting customers to both early British/Irish settlers as well as early French settlers, and 170 new Genetic Groups in the US connecting customers to early German settlers, Cajuns, Pennsylvania Dutch, and other groups with French &amp; German ancestry.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="772" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-1024x772.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33699" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-1024x772.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-300x226.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-768x579.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-880x663.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-1180x890.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada.png 1369w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The update affects around 17 percent of all customers who tested on our <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>, and even more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium members</a> will see any distant Genetic Group connections they may have to these regions.</p>



<p>We previously released <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/are-you-genetically-connected-to-early-colonial-americans">early British &amp; Irish American Genetic Groups</a>, helping customers connect back many generations to communities within the United States. With this update we&#8217;ve expanded that to include early British &amp; Irish Canadian Genetic Groups, but also expanded our connections to additional European diasporas including early French and German settlers in the United States and Canada. These groups helped to shape these countries from French Canadians maintaining a distinct culture in Quebec to German Americans helping to establish many of Milwaukee&#8217;s famous breweries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-composition-update">Ancestry Composition Update</h2>



<p>23andMe’s Ancestry Composition report is a living analysis that improves as we add new reference data. Underlying our Ancestry reports are powerful algorithms and analytical tools developed by 23andMe population geneticists and engineers to offer our customers more insights into their ancestral origins.</p>



<p>Recently, we’ve updated results for people with connections to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/genetic-groups-south-asia">South Asia</a>, Greece and the Balkans, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">African Americans</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-groups-for-japan-and-scandinavia">Japan, and Scandinavia</a> for instance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-out-more">Find out more</h2>



<p>Curious if you’re connected? Discover 23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">&nbsp; Ancestry Service and more</a>.</p>



<p>If you are a 23andMe customer with the <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>, V5, you can see your results in your Ancestry Composition report.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcKT5V7Zf1iux5cZ63RxhzIaXbqU3gSpE8NjEdPTE6aozWvpbjmJ4N3seGlflVg0xFIlJsWlxoOIgq50D5Vs_9uwf8okOu9MeM6pZs1PPnNyGgkQ1Jv7Wnliyoiu7jb9oYXJ5IFEA?key=lvfyoxTzJk20aNZDmzWJYMYf" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Below are the lists of Genetic Groups 23andMe has added as part of this update</p>



<p>New Genetic Groups in the United States&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Cajun</li>



<li>Pennsylvania Dutch</li>



<li>Great Plains Early German Americans</li>



<li>Lower Missouri River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>Lower Ohio River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>North Central Appalachians and Ohio Valley Early German Americans</li>



<li>Southeastern Early German Americans</li>



<li>Southern Great Lakes Early German Americans</li>



<li>Upper Midwest Early German Americans</li>



<li>Upper Mississippi River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>Upper Missouri River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>Wisconsin River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li><strong>Plus 158 more local Genetic Groups connected to those with German and French ancestry in the U.S.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>New Genetic Groups in Canada</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>French Canadian</li>



<li>Acadia</li>



<li>Annapolis Valley Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Atlantic Canada Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Bonavista Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Bras d&#8217;Or Lake Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Cape Breton County Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Eastern Conception Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Eastern Northumberland Strait Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Eastern Prince Edward Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Georgian Bay and North Channel Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Halifax Region Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Inverness County Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Kawartha Lakes Region Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Erie Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Huron Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Ontario Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Simcoe Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake St. Clair Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Long Range Mountains Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lower Ottawa River Basin Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Manitoulin Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Maritime Provinces Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Miramichi Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Mississippi-Rideau River Basin Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>New Brunswick Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Newfoundland South Coast Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>North Shore Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Northeastern Lake Erie Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Northeastern Lake Ontario Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Northern Avalon Peninsula Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Notre Dame Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Nottawasaga Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Nova Scotia Peninsula Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Prince Edward Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Saint John and the Fundy Shore Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Saint John River Valley Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southeast Region Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southern Avalon Peninsula Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southern Nova Scotia Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southwest Miramichi River Valley Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>St. Georges Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>St. Lawrence River Basin Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Trinity Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Western Conception Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Western Prince Edward Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Greater Montreal Early French Canadians</li>



<li>Greater Quebec City Early French Canadians</li>



<li>Notre Dame Mountains Early French Canadians</li>



<li>Saguenay-St. Lawrence River Basin Early French Canadians</li>
</ul>


An image of a traditional masts ship like the Mayflower.

More Detailed Genetic Groups in the US and Canada


<p>As we <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/dna-testing-african-ancestry-health-research-23andme">said last week</a> 23andMe offers some of the most detailed and comprehensive ancestry insights for people of African descent. This is possible because 23andMe has the largest genetic cohort of research participants with African ancestry in the world, and we prioritize diversification through efforts like the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/global-genetics/">Global Genetics Project</a>, and previous projects like the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/africa-project/">African Genetics Project</a> and the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/african-american-sequencing-project">African American Sequencing Project</a>. That focus on diversity and the contribution of many 23andMe research participants over more than a decade, has unlocked key discoveries and enabled our team to provide the most ancestry detail in Africa and the most detail for the African diaspora of any DNA testing company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-composition-tracing-roots-in-africa">Ancestry Composition: Tracing Roots in Africa</h2>



<p>As a result of the brutal <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/transatlantic-slave-trade-paper">transatlantic slave trade</a> many Black Americans are disconnected from their ancestral homelands. Discovering <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/learning-about-yourself-with-23andme">genetic connections to regions in Africa</a> can offer <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-helps-customer-connect-to-west-africa">powerful hints to your earlier ancestry</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>23andMe offers 12 broad <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-african-east-asian-details">reference populations</a> in Africa for your Ancestry Composition breakdown and over 150 detailed African regions pinpointed to the country or state level.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001.jpg" alt="Image of a sample ancestry dna result showing Sub-Saharan African regions on 23andme" class="wp-image-26486" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001-300x225.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001-880x660.jpg 880w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Additionally, you may find matches to 25 African <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/african-ethnolinguistic-groups">ethnolinguistic groups</a> and tribes in Africa, including matches to groups such as the Yoruba, Igbo, Kongo, Mende, Kikuyu, and Zulu peoples</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfNmZtHJrxCGL_ObwaB0JM2G_tecZt5uBOLkki1aAmAYlij5u1cBZEAZJxx9ChGxkQ30-B7I6kHRcP28DeEbrFDLzrN2urhZ93L6u5V41uc1mLZjCf1b5VbNMXrDDcoKtKHKUY?key=Opm82dkXgXhyK_OGIrF9GbZI" alt="" style="width:500px"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-connections-in-america">Keeping Connections in America</h2>



<p>During the Great Migration, more than six million Black Americans left the South in search of economic opportunities and a reprieve from the repression of Jim Crow laws and racial violence. Via shared genetics we are able to help you identify and maintain these pre-migration connections to more than <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">200 African American Genetic Groups</a> in the United States, such as Virginia Tidewater, Southern Plains African Americans, Pee Dee River Gullah, and Avoyelles Parish Creoles.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:0.9rem"><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/working-on-23andmes-african-american-genetic-groups-project"><em>Learn more about Jalen Robinson, a student at Morehouse School of Medicine and Research Diversity intern at 23andMe, who helped develop the African American Genetic Groups</em></a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcjxnbrI7BxLOwtJc8fpV4-TEzSZMiPUeWjEYRz4IE-KAeHegYIW6SryPaUXUkeV5WlrziiaQIzCE8XCTKqgHTFwfynjuoHazjtNdXmncMyc1qZ2xLGyn-0Z0kqTvqc2AHlT5dL?key=Opm82dkXgXhyK_OGIrF9GbZI" alt="" style="width:500px"/></figure>



<p>We are also able to identify connections to&nbsp; <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-afro-caribbean-ancestry">19 Afro-Caribbean Genetic Groups</a>, including Jamaican, Afro-Puerto Rican, Afro-Dominican, Garifuna, St. Lucian and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haplogroups">Haplogroups</h2>



<p>Moving further back into your history, 23andMe “haplogroup” reports reveal clues about the ancient origins of your maternal and paternal lines. A genetic signature of your maternal line can be traced back through time by analyzing a small circular loop of DNA housed in your cells’ mitochondria—your mitochondrial DNA—which you inherited from your mother, who inherited it from her mother, and so on. Similarly, your paternal line can be traced by analyzing your Y chromosome DNA if you are male, or by connecting with a close paternal male relative who also tested on 23andMe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Haplogroups can be linked to geographic regions and historical populations, showing how your ancestors moved and settled over tens of thousands of years. Looking at the haplogroup family tree of all humans is one way that scientists were able to determine that modern humans originated within Africa.</p>



<p>Here is an example of where the maternal lineage (or <a href="https://discover.23andme.com/haplogroup/L1-maternal">mitochondrial haplogroup) known as L1&nbsp; linked to speakers of the Bantu language family in Sub-Saharan Africa.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="249" height="245" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/L1_image-e1739299538780.png" alt="Image of L1 haplogroup migration patterns in sub-sarharan Africa" class="wp-image-33689" style="width:500px"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-matches">Historical Matches</h2>



<p>In early 2024, 23andMe introduced an exciting feature, powered by groundbreaking research, called Historical Matches<sup>SM</sup> that connects 23andMe+ Premium members to historical and ancient DNA relatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists have sequenced the genomes of many ancient and historical individuals from around the world. Now, using custom, peer-reviewed methods developed by 23andMe scientists in partnership with leading ancient DNA experts, we can identify sections of your DNA that you share with these people who lived long ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This feature includes historical and ancient profiles from West Africa, Southern Africa, and East Africa, as well as individuals of African descent buried at <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/historical-dna-connection-to-early-enslaved-and-free-african-americans">Catoctin Iron Furnace</a> in Maryland in the 17th and 18th centuries. More profiles of historical and ancient individuals are added over time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="719" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33692" style="width:500px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image.png 720w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-574x574.png 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-connects-living-family-to-enslaved-african-american-from-historic-site"><em>Read about living relatives finding their connection to Catoctin Iron Furnace&nbsp;</em></a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-relatives">DNA relatives</h3>



<p>Genetic information can also connect you to more recent history, if you choose, by allowing you to find and connect to your DNA relatives. Many people have been able to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/thomas-finds-family-and-then-his-valentine">connect with newfound family</a> helping to complete a picture of their recent family history.</p>



<p>However, we recognize not everyone is interested in making these connections, which is why we give you full control to decide how your information is used and with whom it is shared. You must explicitly opt in to participate in the DNA Relatives feature. We will not share your genetic data without your explicit consent.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-a-rich-tapestry-of-ancestry">Discovering a Rich Tapestry of Ancestry</h2>



<p>23andMe offers a comprehensive and powerful toolkit for exploring your African ancestry, from deep genetic connections to specific regions and ethnic groups, to uncovering ancient lineages and historical matches. Whether you’re tracing your roots to the African continent or connecting with recent relatives, our data and research innovations give you an unparalleled view into your heritage. By prioritizing diversity and expanding our genetic research, we’re committed to helping you rediscover and reconnect with your history, no matter how far back it stretches.</p>


Image of a sample ancestry dna result showing Sub-Saharan African regions on 23andme

Uncovering African Ancestry: A Deep Dive into Your Roots with 23andMe


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-black-history-month-with-ancestry-health-and-research">Celebrating Black History Month with Ancestry, Health, and Research</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-1024x724.png" alt="A map showing all the African American Genetic Groups" class="wp-image-33413" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-1024x724.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-300x212.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-768x543.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-880x622.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-1180x834.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>As we kick off this Black History Month, it&#8217;s a powerful time to reflect on how science and technology can deepen our understanding of ancestry, improve health outcomes, and empower communities. Over the years, 23andMe has made an effort to ensure our product and research are relevant to those of African descent and we continue to make improvements in both what we deliver to our Black and African American customers and how we engage with those communities. Let&#8217;s take a look at how DNA testing can provide a deeper connection to your ancestral history, empower you with knowledge about health risks that disproportionately affect the Black and African American communities, and offer new opportunities for scientific research.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-uncovering-african-heritage-with-23andme">Ancestry: Uncovering African Heritage with 23andMe</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-groups-across-africa-and-the-americas"><strong>Genetic Groups Across Africa and the Americas</strong></h3>



<p>23andMe offers some of the most detailed and comprehensive ancestry insights for people of African descent, helping you trace your roots back to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/african-ethnolinguistic-groups">African ethnolinguistic groups</a> like the Yoruba, Igbo, Kongo, Mende, Kikuyu, and more. We also offer the ability to pinpoint over 150 regions across Africa, down to the country and even more local levels.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="627" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-1024x627.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33675" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-1024x627.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-300x184.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-768x471.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-880x539.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-1180x723.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic.png 1234w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>In the Americas the service also highlights over <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">200 Genetic Groups</a>, including those tied to the Gullah, Creole, and other communities in the United States as well as 19 <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-afro-caribbean-ancestry">Afro-Caribbean Genetic Groups</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="605" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-1024x605.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33676" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-1024x605.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-300x177.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-768x454.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-880x520.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-1180x697.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican.png 1229w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-maternal-and-paternal-lineages"><strong>Tracing Maternal and Paternal Lineages</strong></h3>



<p>Additionally, 23andMe is the only leading DNA testing service that offers detailed information on both your maternal and paternal lineages through haplogroups, connecting you with ancient peoples and places. You can even learn if you share an ancient maternal line ancestor with famous historical figures such as Nelson Mandela, Pharaoh Rameses III of Egypt, and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-empowering-communities-with-genetic-insights">Health: Empowering Communities with Genetic Insights</h2>



<p>Health is a critical area where genetic testing can make a real difference, and 23andMe is committed to providing reports of value to Black and African American communities. We offer over 110 health reports, many of which focus on conditions that, while they can affect anyone, disproportionately affect these communities.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-key-health-reports-for-black-and-african-american-communities"><strong>Some Key Health Reports for Black and African American Communities</strong></h3>



<p>These are just some of the reports that provide personalized insights based on your DNA.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia">Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status report</a> </li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/chronic-kidney-disease/">Chronic Kidney Disease (APOL1-Related) Genetic Health Risk report</a> </li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/preeclampsia/">Preeclampsia Polygenic Risk Score report</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">Type 2 Diabetes Polygenic Risk Score report</a> </li>
</ul>



<p>With this knowledge, you can take steps to manage your health more effectively. Personalized suggestions offer tools to help you prevent, monitor, or manage these health risks, ensuring that you’re not only aware of potential issues but also equipped to take control of your well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-advancing-health-equity-through-participation">Research: Advancing Health Equity Through Participation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-disparities-in-genetic-research"><strong>Addressing Disparities in Genetic Research</strong></h3>



<p>23andMe is proactively building a more representative community of researchers and participants to improve research equity and health outcomes for Black Americans. There are several initiatives that focus on diseases that disproportionately impact people of African descent:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-initiatives-within-the-black-community"><strong>Key Initiatives Within the Black Community</strong></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell/"><strong>Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness</strong></a><strong> — </strong>In collaboration with various academic and advocacy organizations—including <a href="https://www.sicklecellga.org/">Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia</a>, <a href="https://www.btsscycle.org/">Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle</a>, and <a href="https://www.msm.edu/">Morehouse School of Medicine</a>— this program empowers people to learn their sickle cell carrier status, promotes sickle cell disease awareness, and offers resources to those with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.</li>



<li><strong>Research on Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) </strong>— A <a href="https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/8/21/5710/517723/Ancestry-independent-risk-of-venous">collaborative study</a> with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, published in <em>Blood Advances</em> and involving 4 million research participants, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-research-on-sickle-cell-trait">revealed</a> that sickle cell trait (SCT) increases the risk of pulmonary embolism but not deep vein thrombosis. This suggests a unique clotting mechanism in SCT individuals. The findings, consistent across genetic backgrounds, may improve medical advice. We are now investigating SCT&#8217;s potential link to blood clots during pregnancy.</li>



<li><strong>Representation in Sarcoidosis Research Study — </strong>Helped increase the likelihood that potential sarcoidosis treatments can be effective in people with African ancestry, and other underrepresented groups, in partnership with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research and the Bernie Mac Foundation.</li>



<li><strong>BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Report Updates — </strong>Bringing awareness and access to our updated report, which now accounts for 30-40% of cancer-related BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in African Americans, in collaboration with AfroPink®.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/genetic-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-black-community/"><strong>Genetic Insights into Colorectal Cancer in the Black Community</strong></a><strong> — </strong>A study aimed at<strong> </strong>bringing our Black and African American customers a genetic report on their chances of developing colorectal cancer in partnership with the <a href="https://colorectalcancer.org/">Colorectal Cancer Alliance</a>.<strong>  </strong></li>
</ul>



<p>These efforts are about more than just furthering research; they’re about making sure we build long-term, ongoing partnerships within Black community to improve access to genetic health information, participation in genetics research, and improve overall health outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-progress">Building on Progress</h2>



<p>Throughout this Black History Month, we&#8217;ll return to dive deeper and celebrate the ancestry, health, and research work being done at 23andMe that impacts people of African descent. We’ll take a deeper dive into heritage, taking proactive steps towards better health, or contributing to groundbreaking research that can improve outcomes for generations to come.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><em>The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. Warnings &amp; Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of 44 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The report describes if a person&#8217;s genetic result is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and potentially other cancers. The variants included in this report do not represent the majority of the BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in people of most ethnicities. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. This report is for over-the-counter use by adults over the age of 18, and provides genetic information to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit </em><a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/"><em>23andme.com/test-info/</em></a></p>


An image to represent African Americans participating in 23andMe's colorectal cancer research.

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