23andMe+® Premium members can now dive deeper into their heritage with Distant Genetic Groups: a new feature for Ancestry Composition.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="371" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/distant-genetic-groups-France.png" alt="A map showing distant genetic groups in France
" class="wp-image-33021" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/distant-genetic-groups-France.png 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/distant-genetic-groups-France-300x217.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>



Since the launch of Genetic Groups in 2020 as a new type of detailed results within Ancestry Composition, customers on the V5 chip have been able to see their close matches (previously labeled &#8220;Highly Likely&#8221; or &#8220;Likely&#8221; within the feature). These matches usually represent close family or recent connections.



Over the past few years, many customers have asked if we could go further back in time or lower the shared DNA requirements to find more distant ancestral connections.



To provide these customers with even more information about their more distant connections to Genetic Groups, we evaluated different thresholds at which we felt we could still deliver meaningful results and settled on an approach that achieved these goals.&nbsp;



Thanks to this additional R&amp;D, we are now allowing 23andMe+ Premium members to view their more distant connections to Genetic Groups.&nbsp;



Importantly, we are not removing or hiding Genetic Group matches that non-Premium members can already see. When we release new regions in the future, non-Premium members will still be able to view their very close connections to those regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Because of the nature of these analyses and because we are continuing to roll out new Genetic Groups around the world, not all 23andMe+ Premium members have distant Genetic Group matches. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="281" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Distant-Genetic-Groups.png" alt="A map of the world showing where 23andMe has updated Distant Genetic Groups" class="wp-image-33022" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Distant-Genetic-Groups.png 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Distant-Genetic-Groups-300x165.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Distant-Genetic-Groups-271x149.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Distant-Genetic-Groups-372x204.png 372w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>



Recently, we’ve added 36 Genetic Groups in France and Belgium, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-improves-ancestry-results-for-people-with-south-american-levantine-sephardic-and-mizrahi-genetic-ancestry">13 Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish groups</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-improves-ancestry-results-for-people-with-south-american-levantine-sephardic-and-mizrahi-genetic-ancestry">26 groups in the Levant</a>, and 21 Indigenous American groups in South America, and many more are coming soon.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-genetic-groups-and-what-is-a-distant-connection">What are Genetic Groups, and what is a “Distant” connection?</h2>



Genetic Groups are groups of people with significant genetic similarity to each other, who may share ethnic identities, languages, or other similar characteristics.&nbsp;



“Distant” matches to Genetic Groups reflect meaningful DNA connections to Genetic Groups that may be:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Further back in time </li>



<li>Through fewer ancestors</li>



<li>Or otherwise harder to detect</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-distant-match-nbsp">What does it mean to have a Distant match?&nbsp;</h2>



Distant matches can mean different things for different parts of the world, but each match still represents a meaningful amount of shared DNA. Typically, a distant match could mean that you share DNA with multiple people in that Genetic Group but the total amount of shared DNA does not meet our threshold for assigning matches at a higher confidence level.



Sometimes, these matches may reflect very distant ancestral connections, particularly if the population shares high amounts of DNA. Other times, these matches may reflect more recent connections through fewer shared ancestors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-find-out-if-you-have-distant-genetic-group-connections">How to find out if you have Distant Genetic Group connections</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sephardic-Mizrahi-300x169.png" alt="An image showing Sephardic and Mizrahi ancestral distant genetic groups." class="wp-image-33023" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sephardic-Mizrahi-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sephardic-Mizrahi.png 512w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



If you are a 23andMe+ Premium member, visit your Ancestry Composition results and look for “new” tags to see if you have any distant matches. Click on the population or populations with the “new” tag and look for Genetic Groups with a “new” tag and an in-line Distant match strength. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-a-23andme-premium-member">Not a 23andMe+ Premium member? </h2>



If you are not a 23andMe+ Premium member and want to know if you would have any “Distant” Genetic Groups if you were to become a member, follow these steps:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Indicate in the <a href="https://you.23andme.com/user/consent/tma/">Personalized Recommendations Consent</a> that you would like to receive Personalized Recommendations.</li>



<li>After consenting to receive personalized recommendations, browse your Ancestry Composition results by clicking on each of your populations.</li>



<li>Look for a notification within your detailed ancestry results that you have a Distant Genetic Group match.</li>



<li>Please keep in mind you may not have any Distant Genetic Group connections at this time. </li>
</ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="399" height="512" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/British-Irish-73-percent.png" alt="Ancestry Composition with link to distant genetic groups in Britan and Ireland." class="wp-image-33024" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/British-Irish-73-percent.png 399w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/British-Irish-73-percent-234x300.png 234w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px" /></figure>



How to find out if you are a 23andMe+ Premium member:&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Go to your account settings at <a href="https://you.23andme.com/user/">https://you.23andme.com/user/</a></li>



<li>View the “Personal Information” section and find the section called “Membership.” </li>



<li>If you are not a member, it will say, “Not a 23andMe+ Premium member.”</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else-is-included-with-23andme-premium">What else is included with 23andMe+ Premium</h2>



Do you want to upgrade to 23andMe+ Premium to view your Distant Genetic Group connections but are unsure if it’s worth it just for that?&nbsp;



23andMe+ Premium has so much more, including <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andmes-historic-matches">Historical Matches</a>SM, up to 5000 (3x) DNA relatives, Advanced DNA Relative filters, exclusive reports Powered by 23andMe Research including ADHD, depression, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, migraine, lupus and more. These reports and features are powered by our latest genetic research and peer-reviewed studies.&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Upgrade to 23andMe+ Premium from the Health + Ancestry service: <a href="https://you.23andme.com/subscription/">https://you.23andme.com/subscription/</a></li>



<li>Upgrade to 23andMe+ Premium from Ancestry Only service: <a href="https://you.23andme.com/subscription_ao/?source=historical_matches_web">https://you.23andme.com/subscription_ao/</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-yet-a-23andme-customer">Not yet a 23andMe customer?</h2>



Purchase a new kit with one year membership included: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">https://www.23andme.com/membership/</a>&nbsp;

A map of the world showing where 23andMe has updated Distant Genetic Groups

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

Discover Distant Genetic Groups with 23andMe+ Premium

This week, we released a new Bipolar Disorder report (PRS), adding to a collection of genetic reports on mental health available for 23andMe+ Premium members.



Bipolar disorder affects millions of people worldwide. The National Institutes of Health estimates that <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder">4.4 percent of American adults</a> will experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives. Some of the genes that influence bipolar disorder also play a role in depression.&nbsp; While bipolar disorder is different from depression, the two conditions have <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35338122/)">overlapping genetics</a>.&nbsp;



For scientists, these shared genetics can help explain why depression is also a feature of bipolar disorder.



<div style="float: right; text-align: justified; width: 300px; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px; margin-left: 10px;"><h2>HELP IS THERE IF YOU NEED IT</h2>
 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t ignore it, there is help. You can call or text 988 in the U.S. or find a helpline in your area.

Here are some additional resources to help you or a friend or family member find the help you might need. Remember, you are not alone; some people can help you get the support you need. It’s OK to ask for assistance.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the United States. The Lifeline has a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. They can provide support or connect you with local resources. Either call or text 988, or you can call 1-888-628-9454.

• Crisis Text Line —The Crisis Text Line is another free resource available 24/7. If you’re not comfortable talking on the phone, you can text a trained crisis counselor. To get started, text HOME to 741741.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an organization that provides education, support, and advocacy. Their helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10 am to 8 pm E.T., at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). They also have a wealth of resources on their website.

• Therapy — Talking to a therapist can help if you’re struggling. An experienced therapist can help you navigate and find the best approaches to treating bipolar disorder. Even if you don’t have insurance, options such as community mental health centers or sliding-scale therapy are still available.
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-23andme-bipolar-disorder-report">About the 23andMe Bipolar Disorder Report</h2>



23andMe’s new Bipolar Disorder report is based on a statistical model known as polygenic risk score (PRS), which 23andMe developed through its proprietary research database. The new PRS report was developed by 23andMe scientists and clinical experts using the company’s massive database of genetic and self-reported health information contributed by consented research participants.



However, it is critical to note that while genetic factors play a role, they do not determine whether a person will or will not develop bipolar disorder. Other non-genetic factors – such as stressful life experiences – also play a role.&nbsp;



If you’ve already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, this report does not change that diagnosis. Continue to work with your doctor to manage your symptoms and treat the condition. 23andMe does not diagnose conditions, but if your results indicate that you have an increased likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, that is something you should discuss with your healthcare professional.



This <a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_25-PRSMethodology.pdf">white paper</a> explains the science and methodology behind our PRS reports, such as the report on Bipolar disorder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-bipolar-disorder">What is bipolar disorder?</h2>



Everyone experiences an ebb and flow in their moods. However, for those with bipolar disorder, those shifts are more intense, affecting not just mood but energy levels, sleep, activity, and behavior.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder">Bipolar disorder</a>, formerly called manic-depressive disorder, is characterized by mood and energy swings from euphoria to despair—mania to depression—that can be severe. These big swings are known as mood episodes and can make day-to-day responsibilities a challenge.



The causes of bipolar disorder are complex and not completely understood. Some of the factors involved are related to biological differences, genetics, brain chemistry, and stress. In addition, studies show that drinking, smoking, and drugs can all worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder.&nbsp;



While research to fully understand the causes of bipolar disorder is ongoing, there are effective treatments, as well as strategies for managing the symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-factors">Genetic Factors</h2>



Bipolar disorder is known to run in families. As with other mental health conditions, a family history of bipolar disorder, depression, other mental health or mood disorders, and other conditions like autism spectrum disorder or drug abuse increases one’s likelihood of developing the condition. Research indicates that if you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, you have much higher odds of developing the condition, <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder#part_2261">according to NIH</a>.



Bipolar disorder is also often polygenic, meaning that thousands of genetic variants each have a small impact on the likelihood of developing the condition. Some of the genes that influence bipolar disorder also play a role in depression.&nbsp;



Research studies — including work done by and with 23andMe scientists — have identified thousands of different genetic variants associated with depression and bipolar disorder. In the case of depression, some of these variants are in<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-018-0326-7"> genes involved in neurotransmission</a> and response to stimuli in the central nervous system. A few other variants have been found in genes involved in a<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8404304/#R1"> neural growth regulator</a> active in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that’s been linked to depression in the past.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-associations">More Associations</h2>



23andMe data — from 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research — indicates bipolar disorder is also very commonly associated with depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep issues.&nbsp;



Our researchers recently collaborated with other scientists who are part of the Psychiatric Genetic Consortium on what is by far the largest genome-wide association study of bipolar disorder to date. The soon-to-be-published paper looked at data across people of different ancestries and found more than 300 genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder, a fourfold increase over previous genetic studies into the condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



The new 23andMe+ Premium Bipolar Disorder report (PRS) is more than assessing our genetic likelihood of developing the condition; it also includes helpful resources to learn about the condition and where to find help. 



While bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with no cure, there are effective treatments, including medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, that can help in managing symptoms.&nbsp;



23andMe+ Premium members can click <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.bipolar_disorder/">here</a> if they wish to view their report.



Current 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers on the <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a> can receive this report and 35+ other reports by joining 23andMe+ from within their accounts.&nbsp; These additional reports include other mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Learn more<a href="https://you.23andme.com/subscription/"> here</a>.



Not a 23andMe+ Premium customer yet? Learn about all that 23andMe has to offer <a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">here</a>.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs">FAQs </h2>



What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity, behavior, and sleep to the point that it can make day-to-day responsibilities a challenge. The “mood episodes” that are part of bipolar disorder include extreme highs, known as mania, and extreme lows, known as depression.



How common is bipolar disorder? More than four percent of adults in the U.S. experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives, according to data from the NIH. However, prevalence data varies. Within 23andMe research participants, our researchers see slightly higher percentages.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Is bipolar disorder genetic? While a person’s genetics do not determine whether they will or will not develop bipolar disorder, it is an essential contribution to the likelihood of developing the condition. Bipolar disorder also runs in families, and having a first-degree relative — a parent or sibling — with bipolar disorder substantially increases your odds.



What are some treatments for bipolar disorder or lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms? Every case of bipolar disorder is not the same, so treatment regimens differ based on the severity of the condition. In general, treatments often include medication – such as mood stabilizers – and psychotherapy. A lack of sleep, physical activity, or using drugs and alcohol can all compound symptoms, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to make treatment more effective.



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



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-note">NOTE: </h6>



Within this blog post and the Depression Report, we use the word “male” to refer to people whose birth sex is male and “female” to refer to people whose birth sex is female. However, we recognize that being categorized by birth sex may be an uncomfortable experience for some people, and we do not mean to delegitimize anyone’s gender identity. Learn more about why we made this decision in this <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/12279220169623">help article.</a>

A New Report on Bipolar Disorder

One of the tragedies of colorectal cancer is that although it is often preventable with screening and has a high survival rate when caught early, many are not getting screened, making colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="717" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251922051-1024x717.jpg" alt="Digital generated image of multi-ethnic arms raised in the air on dark gray background." class="wp-image-30161" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251922051-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251922051-300x210.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251922051-768x538.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251922051-880x616.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251922051-1180x826.jpg 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



What’s more, colorectal cancer disproportionately impacts Black and African Americans, who tend to experience earlier onset and worse outcomes. Black and African American individuals have the second-highest mortality and incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the U.S. They are 35 percent more likely to die from colorectal cancer and 15 percent more likely to develop it than non-Hispanic whites, <a href="https://colorectalcancer.org/basics/facts-and-statistics">according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-collaboration">The Collaboration</h2>



A new collaboration between 23andMe and the non-profit Colorectal Cancer Alliance aims to raise awareness, encourage screening, and help people better understand their risks.&nbsp;



As part of 23andMe’s <a href="https://www.23andme.com/genetic-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-black-community/?utm[…]lfb&amp;utm_medium=social_organic&amp;utm_campaign=us_2024feb_crc_prs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genetic Insights into Colorectal Cancer in the Black Community</a> study, we’re working with Colorectal Cancer Alliance to recruit Black and African Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer as a way to improve polygenic risk scores used to flag heightened risk for colorectal cancer.



“We developed this study on colorectal cancer in the Black community to improve reports for Black and African Americans looking to learn more about their genetic likelihood of developing colorectal cancer,” said Anjali Shastri, Ph.D., principal program manager at 23andMe, Lead for diversity programs and advocacy partnerships for research. “We hope to develop and provide a genetic report to help the Black community learn more about their chances of developing this condition.”



Early detection and treatment offer the most hope for success for those with colorectal cancer, and screening can also help prevent cancers from developing. However, current polygenic risk scores for colorectal cancer perform poorly for Black and African American individuals. 23andMe, with the help of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, hopes to pull in enough data from research participants to improve those risk models and provide meaningful reports for its Black and African American customers.  



Colorectal Cancer Alliance works toward increasing awareness about the importance of screening and removing the stigma around talking about colorectal cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-colorectal-cancer">More About Colorectal Cancer</h2>



Cancer occurs when abnormal cells divide and grow out of control. Colorectal cancer occurs in colon or rectum cells encompassing the large intestine. Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps.&nbsp;



Most polyps are not cancerous, but certain types can turn cancerous over time. With screening, colorectal cancer can be prevented by removing polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer. While these typically are slow-growing, left untreated, these cancerous cells can spread beyond the colon or rectum through the blood and into the lymphatic system.&nbsp;



Like many forms of cancers, a complex mix of genetics, environment, age, diet, and lifestyle influence whether someone develops colorectal cancer. In a few types of hereditary conditions, such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/colorectal_cancer/lynch.htm">Lynch syndrome</a> and <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andmes-new-mutyh-report">MUTYH-associated polyposis</a>, genetics plays an outsized role. But such things as a diet low in fiber and high in fat, or that includes a lot of processed meats and not enough fruits and vegetables, or a lack of exercise, or simply being overweight can all contribute to a higher risk for colorectal cancer. A healthy diet, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower one’s risk for the disease.



Current guidelines suggest routine <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html">screening at the age of 45</a>, but a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may call for earlier screening.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The majority of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over the age of 50, and the overall rate of colorectal cancers has declined in the last few decades. However, a <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21772">recent study</a> by scientists with the American Cancer Society indicated that rates for those under the age of 55 have gone up. It’s become a leading cause of cancer-related death for men under 50 and second leading for women under 50. 



23andMe scientists are hoping to help change that by recruiting Black and African Americans in the United States who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and are willing to participate in our research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-s-colorectal-cancer-study">23andMe’s Colorectal Cancer Study</h2>



Like 23andMe has done with <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sarcoidosis-representation/">Sarcoidosis</a>, where the lack of diversity in genetic data prompted the company to recruit people from the Black and African American community, we are again reaching out to that community. However, this time, with the help of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, all to improve the representation of colorectal cancer.



This research study is recruiting Black and African American individuals who are 18 years or older, live in the United States, and have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Individuals participating in this research study can access health reports through a 23andMe+ Premium membership at no cost. 



This new research study is part of our continued efforts to raise awareness about important health conditions that affect many individuals but disproportionately impact the Black and African American communities.&nbsp;



Questions? You can read Frequently Asked Questions here or contact us at crc-study@23andme.com. You can learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/genetic-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-black-community/?utm[…]lfb&amp;utm_medium=social_organic&amp;utm_campaign=us_2024feb_crc_prs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genetic Insights into Colorectal Cancer in the Black Community here.</a>

23andMe and Colorectal Cancer Alliance Team Up on Cancer Research

Did you know that May 30th and 31st mark the anniversaries of the deaths of Gleb Svyatoslavich and Izjaslav Ingvarevych, who were princes of parts of the historical state of Kievan Rus’? 



Kievan Rus’ encompassed parts of present-day Ukraine, Belarus, and European Russia between the late 9th and mid-13th centuries CE. 23andMe is marking the anniversaries by updating <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andmes-historic-matches">Historical Matches</a>.SM  This new 23andMe+ Premium membership feature may genetically connect you to one or more of hundreds of historical people across the globe, and now includes Gleb and Izjaslav.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-among-the-first-saints-of-kievan-rus">Among the First Saints of Kievan Rus&#8217;</h2>



Gleb was a prince of Tmutarakan and Novgorod during the 11th century CE. His name came from his great-uncle, Gleb Vladimirovich, one of the first saints canonized in Kievan Rus’ after the region adopted Christianity. 



Gleb was appointed ruler of the principality of Tmutarakan by his father, but was overthrown and expelled from the principality twice by his cousin Rostislav Vladimirovich. Later, he ruled the principality of Novgorod, but after his father’s death, the local population revolted against him. He tried to flee but was killed on May 30th 1078 and buried in the Holy Savior Cathedral in Chernigov, in what is now northern Ukraine. 



His skull was discovered buried in a stone sarcophagus at the site of the cathedral during construction work in 1967. Anthropologists and scientists who studied the skull confirmed that it belonged to a genetically male individual who died around the age of 25-35. They also found marks on his skull consistent with wounds made by a sword.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-battle-of-the-kalka-river">The Battle of the Kalka River</h2>



Less is known about Izjaslav Ingvarevych, the 13th century CE prince of Dorogobuzh from the Principality of Galicia-Volhynia. Some sources suggest that he was born around 1180 CE and died on May 31st, 1223 CE, during the Battle of the Kalka River. 



During this battle, Mongol armies—led by the generals Jebe and Subutai, who served under the emperor Genghis Khan—defeated a coalition composed of forces from several principalities of Kievan Rus’ and warriors from the nomadic Cuman people. Although the exact size of both armies is debated, it is said that tens of thousands of Rus’ and Cuman fighters died during the battle, while the Mongol army suffered very few casualties. 



In 1989, Izjaslav’s skull was discovered in a tomb at Lutsk castle, one of the most famous landmarks in the present-day city of Lutsk, Ukraine. Analysis of Izjaslav’s skeletal remains indicated that he died around the age of 30-40, and evidence of stab wounds on his skeleton and an arrowhead found embedded in his skull indicate that he also died a violent death. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-post-viking-age">The Post Viking Age</h2>



Researchers sequenced the genomes of Gleb and Izjaslav as part of a 2020 study of the genetics of the Viking world. Although they were not Vikings, their genomes were of interest to the study team as they lived just after the Viking Age ended in Europe (around 1050 CE). 



The Vikings had a massive impact on the genetics and history of much of Europe, including throughout Kievan Rus’, founded by Oleg the Wise, a Viking who ruled Novgorod during the 9th century CE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h2>



You can learn more about Gleb and Izjaslav (and others who lived during or around the time of the Viking Age) through 23andMe’s Historical Matches feature, which is available to all 23andMe+ Premium members. 



Not yet a 23andMe+ Premium member? Find out more about 23andMe+ Premium offerings <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">here</a>.

A painting of Knyaz Gleb Svyatoslavovych killing Magi at the Novgorod veche (Prince's Court)

Historical Matches Added: Gleb Svyatoslavich and Izjaslav Ingvarevych

Scientists at 23andMe, with support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, have researched Parkinson&#8217;s disease and uncovered new insights into the natural history of the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awae073/7676517">LRRK2 G2019S variant</a>. The findings, tracing back thousands of years, vividly illustrate how our DNA combines history, ancestry, and health. They remind us how important knowing one is for understanding the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-genetic-ancestry-relates-to-health">Your Genetic Ancestry Relates to Health</h2>



While some of us use 23andMe to learn more about our health and others to learn about our ancestry, your DNA isn&#8217;t just about one thing or the other. Your DNA intricately weaves together not just your health and ancestry but much more, connecting you to the long thread of human history and offering insight into the origin of diseases like Parkinson&#8217;s.&nbsp;



The history of the LRRK2 G2019S variant and its geographical distribution in disparate communities are telling.



“The fact that the LRRK2 G2019S variant is found in North African Arabs, Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardic Jews, and populations in Latin America and the Caribbean tells a story of our shared genetic roots,” said Lucy Norcliffe-Kaufmann, Ph.D., Principal Scientist with 23andMe’s Parkinson’s Disease Research program.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-founder-mutation">The Founder Mutation</h2>



Studying specific genes, like LRRK2, can teach us much. The LRRK2 variant—also known as the LRRK2 G2019S founder mutation—is strongly associated with a particular form of Parkinson&#8217;s disease, which we&#8217;ll briefly detail.&nbsp;



First, let&#8217;s explain a founder mutation. A founder mutation refers to genetic variants arising from a population&#8217;s loss of genetic variation. This happens when a distinctive population emerges from a small number of people isolated by geography or culture for a considerable time.&nbsp;



The isolation of small populations can result in a higher-than-average frequency for specific genetic variants within that population.&nbsp;



For example, over generations, the geographic isolation of Finnish people led to a founder mutation that puts them at a higher risk for a kidney condition known as <a href="https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/1500/congenital-nephrotic-syndrome-finnish-type">congenital nephrotic syndrome</a>. The isolation of French Canadians in Quebec offers another example. That isolation led to a founder mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that puts them at higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer.&nbsp;



Some of the most well-known founder mutations are among people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Isolated over time by culture, religion, and, in some cases, geography led to higher incidences of specific genetic variants within Ashkenazi populations. These genetic variants put them at higher genetic risk for breast and ovarian cancer.&nbsp;



But people of Ashkenazi ancestry are also more likely to have the LRRK2 G2019S founder mutation that puts them at more risk for a specific type of Parkinson&#8217;s disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lrrk2-associated-parkinson-s">LRRK2-Associated Parkinson&#8217;s</h2>



Looking specifically at LRRK2 G2019S, the variant doesn&#8217;t just convey an increased risk for Parkinson&#8217;s. People who develop the disease who have the variant also have different types of symptoms than others with Parkinson&#8217;s but who do not have the LRRK2 variant.&nbsp;



23andMe researchers <a href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/brain/awae073">recently published data in </a>Brain, that looks at some of those differences.&nbsp;



People with LRRK2-associated Parkinson&#8217;s disease tend to have a slower progression of the disease, with symptoms more related to motor dysfunction. People with this LRRK2 variant also have lower rates of <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/ask-md-acting-out-dreams-and-parkinsons-disease">REM sleep behavior disorder</a> or RBD, which is a common symptom of Parkinson&#8217;s, particularly in the early stages. RBD includes sleep interrupted by acting out dreams and is much more common in people with idiopathic Parkinson&#8217;s disease, or Parkinson&#8217;s, in which the cause is unknown. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-types-of-symptoms">Different Types of Symptoms</h2>



Loss of smell, another common symptom of Parkinson&#8217;s, is also less common in those with the LRRK2 variant. This is important because when we look for people with early Parkinson’s disease, we ask about loss of smell and RBD to determine whether there are early signs of neurodegeneration in the brain. We might be underestimating the risk of Parkinson’s disease in someone with the LRRK2 variant because they are less likely to have sleep and smell problems.&nbsp;



In addition, people with LRRK2-associated Parkinson&#8217;s have fewer cognitive issues and seem to be at a lower risk for developing dementia. This suggests that the LRRK2 variant leads to a slowly primarily progressive motor form of Parkinson’s disease, in which the neurodegenerative process appears to be restricted to areas of the brain that control movement. The data suggests that in LRRK2 Parkinson’s disease, the areas outside the motor control regions are spared from the neurodegenerative process, so we see fewer autonomic, cognitive, sleep, and smell issues in carriers that develop the disease.&nbsp;



The researchers point out that it’s unusual to see a dominant mutation like LRRK2 so prevalent across different communities, but that may be partly because of the later onset of LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s. Symptoms tend to show when people are in their 60s and well past reproductive years.



“This explains why the variant can be harbored in a community and flourish in subsequent generations, particularly in communities that remain isolated by persecution or geography,” Lucy said.&nbsp;



These differences beg many questions, but they also offer potential avenues of inquiry that could give researchers insights into how to treat different types of Parkinson&#8217;s disease better. The majority of Parkinson’s cases do not have a known cause, but in the case of LRRK2, because the association is known, knowing that you have the variant sooner can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.



To develop new therapies, scientists need to learn more about who is at risk, why, and the earliest signs of the disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origins-of-lrrk2-variant">The Origins of LRRK2 Variant</h2>



Beyond that, tracing where and when the LRRK2 G2019S founder mutation originated offers other opportunities to find carriers in diverse populations and build community among those people.&nbsp;



Looking at the history of the LRRK2 founder mutation also offers insight into human migration and some of the people most impacted by it. One of the novel findings of this study is the identification of “hotspots” of people from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil who carry the LRRK2 G2019S mutation at higher rates. This is interesting because it explains the migratory history of the populations most affected by this mutation.



Scientists believe the LRRK2 founder mutation originated over 5000 years ago among the Berber people of North Africa in what is now Morocco. Rates of LRRK2 are higher within North African populations, but why are there also higher incidences of people with LRRK2 within people of Ashkenazi Ancestry?



Why is LRRK2 also found in higher frequency in North Africa and parts of Spain, Eastern Europe, Cuba, and Puerto Rico? That latter finding for a higher frequency of people in the Latin Caribbean community with higher rates of this variant is a new finding from this research by 23andMe, and it begs the question of why we see those higher rates.



The answer lies in the unique history of people of Jewish ancestry, shaped by trade routes around the Mediterranean and historical events like the Muslim Arab expansion, the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the colonization and migration into the Americas.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-lrrk2">Tracing LRRK2</h2>



Scientists believe the LRRK2 founder mutation originated in the Berber populations of North Africa and then passed through the Maghrebi into the Jewish communities that arrived there, having fled the Roman invasions of Jerusalem.



The Maghrebi were mostly traders connected to other Jewish communities by religion and trade routes that crisscrossed the Mediterranean. The Berbers and the new Jewish settlers lived side by side, and many Berbers converted to Judaism, which is likely how the LRRK2 G2019S variant moved from the Berbers to the North African Jews.&nbsp;



Some of those communities eventually migrated from North Africa to mainland Europe with the Arab invasions. Around 1,500 years ago, about eight percent of people living in Spain were of Jewish descent. Within a couple of hundred years, the Jewish population split, with the Ashkenazi group settling in Germany, France, and Eastern Europe and speaking Yiddish. Meanwhile, the Iberian-Arab Jews, later known as the Sephardic Jews, moved to and from North Africa to Spain and Portugal over the next hundreds of years.&nbsp;



While different significant historical events, such as Muslim Arab expansion and later the Crusades, influenced the movement of these people, we can already see that the LRRK2 G2019S variant was present in both the Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews. The Ashkenazi Jews went through what we call a genetic bottleneck, which reduced the population pool to a small number of founders, some of whom carried the G2019S variant. This is how the carrier rate amplified as the small surviving population recovered and expanded over subsequent generations.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="252" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LRRK2-Hotspots.jpg" alt="Heat maps of different areas in Latin America, and the Caribbean where there are hotspots for LRRK2." class="wp-image-32943" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LRRK2-Hotspots.jpg 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LRRK2-Hotspots-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-new-world">The New World </h2>



By the time the Inquisitions arrived, many of what became the Sephardic Jewish community in Spain and Portugal were expelled or forced to convert to Catholicism. Their religion may have changed, but their genetics did not. Some forced converts fled to the Americas after 1492 as Spain conquered the New World. This is how the G2019S variant winds up in Latin America and Brazil.&nbsp;



Using data from 23andMe research participants who consented to participate in this research, 23andMe scientists plotted on a map where those with the LRRK2 variant trace their ancestry.&nbsp;



The maps note the fingerprints of that migration history with the highest concentrations for the mutation in people with genetic ancestry from North Africa, Eastern Europe, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and parts of South America.



“The fact that we see the LRRK2 G2019S variant signal in the Caribbean maps fits with the history of the Jewish Conquistadors who sailed with Columbus on his voyages to the New World,” said Lucy.&nbsp;



We also see strong signals in Brazil, one of the first South American countries to allow Jewish people to live and practice freely.&nbsp;



“(The finding) extends beyond the classic assumption that LRRK2 PD occurs in North African Berbers and the Ashkenazi Jews,” Lucy said. “It is an example of how mutations migrate and can spring up in new founding communities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-s-ongoing-parkinson-s-research">23andMe&#8217;s Ongoing Parkinson&#8217;s Research</h2>



Understanding this history and the significance of a person&#8217;s ancestry related to the LRRK2 G2019S mutation and its link to a higher risk for Parkinson&#8217;s disease allows researchers to build awareness within these communities.&nbsp;



This, in turn, may help improve how we screen for the disease and how to build a broader community around this specific type of Parkinson&#8217;s disease.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="779" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain-1024x779.png" alt="Mapping of LRRK2 PD symptoms to areas of the brain." class="wp-image-32942" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain-1024x779.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain-300x228.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain-768x584.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain-880x670.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain-1180x898.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mapping-LRRK2-Symptoms-to-Brain.png 1899w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The LRRK2 study, known as our Parkinson&#8217;s Impact Project, or PIP, has already produced tremendous insights into the disease. It helps scientists better understand the progression of Parkinson&#8217;s and how LRRK2 PD differs from idiopathic Parkinson&#8217;s, for which there is no known cause.&nbsp;



This study is just one of many aspects of 23andMe&#8217;s long-standing commitment to studying Parkinson&#8217;s, the second most common neurodegenerative condition behind Alzheimer&#8217;s disease.&nbsp;



23andMe researchers have studied the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson&#8217;s disease since 2009. More than 30,000 people with Parkinson&#8217;s have consented to participate in our research, and more than 196,000 people without Parkinson&#8217;s also participate in this specific research.&nbsp;



Those participants have helped 23andMe scientists and our collaborators complete work leading to more than 30 published papers, including 12 since 2020 alone. These studies have also identified almost 100 new genetic variants associated with Parkinson&#8217;s disease. It also allows 23andMe scientists and our collaborators to explore in much more detail the role these variants play in the progression of the disease.&nbsp;



The work on LRRK2 G2019S is part of that broader effort. The number of people with the LRRK2 mutation participating in 23andMe research is three times the size of the next largest LRRK2 research cohort. Some of those participating in 23andMe LRRK2 research have Parkinson&#8217;s, and others don&#8217;t.&nbsp;



As we learn more, we will share more about this study&#8217;s relevance to the disease progression and symptoms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h2>



None of this work would be possible without those individuals. Those who consented to participate in 23andMe&#8217;s research included people with and without Parkinson&#8217;s disease.



Learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/pd/">23andMe&#8217;s Parkinson&#8217;s disease research here</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-23andme-s-parkinson-s-disease-genetic-health-risk-report">The 23andMe&#8217;s Parkinson’s Disease Genetic Health Risk Report</h2>



You can learn whether you may have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease based on your genetics through the 23andMe Parkinson’s Disease Genetic Health Risk report.*



The report looks at two specific genetic variants associated with Parkinson’s disease, one in the LRRK2 gene and one in the GBA gene. This report is included in the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">23andMe Health + Ancestry Service.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-note">Note</h2>



*The 23andMe PGS 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. 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. The Parkinson’s Disease genetic health risk report is indicated for reporting of the G2019S variant in the LRRK2 gene, and the N370S variant in the GBA gene and describes if a person has variants associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The variants included in this report are most common and best studied in people of European, Ashkenazi Jewish, and North African Berber descent.

The Natural History of a Genetic Variant Associated with Parkinson’s Disease

May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In celebration, 23andMe is adding a new group of historical individuals to Historical Matches,SM our new 23andMe+ Premium membership feature that may genetically connect you to one or more of hundreds of historical people across the globe. 



This new historical group, called The Early Peoples of Remote Oceania, contains 10 new historical individuals who lived in Vanuatu—an archipelago in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean—during the last 2,500 years.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="432" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x-1024x432.png" alt="A map of migration patterns for early people of Oceania." class="wp-image-32946" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x-1024x432.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x-300x127.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x-768x324.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x-880x371.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x-1180x498.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu1_2x.png 1660w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-people-of-remote-oceania"> The First People of Remote Oceania</h2>



The first people to settle in Remote Oceania—a region including Vanuatu, Tonga, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Guam, and Hawai’i—started arriving around 3,000 years ago. 



These first settlers belonged to an ancient group known as the ancient Austronesians. The ancient Austronesians were originally from the island now known as Taiwan and were skilled long-distance seafarers and farmers. Between 3,500 BCE and 1,250 CE, they migrated across vast distances, spreading their language and farming technology to regions as far-flung as Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the Pacific and Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="432" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x-1024x432.png" alt="" class="wp-image-32947" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x-1024x432.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x-300x127.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x-768x324.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x-880x371.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x-1180x498.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/filipino_edu3_2x.png 1660w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Ancient Austronesians had ancestry similar to present-day East Asian populations. However, present-day Indigenous peoples from Remote Oceania have mixed ancestry, inherited from Austronesian and Melanesian ancestors. Determining when these two groups were first mixed has been a significant <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29501328/">focus of anthropologists and geneticists</a>, and ancient DNA data has played a critical role in answering this question. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="216" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Melanesian-Austronesian.png" alt="" class="wp-image-32951" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Melanesian-Austronesian.png 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Melanesian-Austronesian-300x127.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h2>



Discover more about The Early Peoples of Remote Oceania through 23andMe’s Historical Matches feature, available to all <a href="https://you.23andme.com/p/394a5612ffeef442/historical-matches/">23andMe+ Premium members.</a> 



Learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">all that 23andMe offers here</a>.

A map of migration patterns for early people of Oceania.

Do You Know About the Earliest Inhabitants of Remote Oceania?

Summer is almost here, and along with all the sun and fun, it&#8217;s important to remember how best to protect your skin.&nbsp;



So, for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we&#8217;re offering some helpful information and suggestions because skin cancer is the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2024/2024-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf">most common</a> form of cancer; it&#8217;s also one of the most preventable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cancer-in-the-united-states">Skin Cancer in the United States</h2>



In the U.S. alone, an estimated 3.3 million people are diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell cancers each year, according to the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html">American Cancer Society.</a> Melanoma makes up a small percentage of all skin cancers. Still, it is the most lethal, contributing to the vast majority of skin cancer-related deaths. These are three of the most common types of skin cancer.



Understanding your likelihood of developing one of these types of cancer and learning about what to look for goes a long way toward preventing them from developing. Sun exposure, either because you live in a sunnier climate or you spend a lot of time outdoors, plays a role.&nbsp;



We looked at where in the United States 23andMe customers who consented to participate in our research reported having been diagnosed with basal or squamous cell carcinomas.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="561" height="370" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Percent-of-Customers-with-Either-BCC-or-SCC.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32916" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Percent-of-Customers-with-Either-BCC-or-SCC.jpg 561w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Percent-of-Customers-with-Either-BCC-or-SCC-300x198.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 561px) 100vw, 561px" /></figure>



We do not have enough data to generate results for every state, but for the states we do have data, we see a higher prevalence of basal cell and squamous cancers in sunnier states. For instance, the highest prevalence is in Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, and New Mexico. However, we also see a high prevalence in Delaware, which may be related to the age of the population there. The prevalence for both cancers increases with age, and Delaware has an aging population. We have not adjusted our data for age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-and-skin-cancer">Genetics and Skin Cancer</h2>



The likelihood of developing skin cancer is influenced not just by geography and sun exposure but also by a person&#8217;s ethnicity, lifestyle, and genetics. Skin cancer can develop in people of all ethnicities, but people of European descent with lighter skin tones have a much higher risk.&nbsp;



The lifetime risk for melanoma is about two percent for people of European descent but only about 0.1 percent among those of African descent. It&#8217;s a little more than half a percent for people of Latino or Hispanic descent.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1-1024x538.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-32917" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1-1024x538.webp 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1-300x158.webp 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1-768x403.webp 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1-880x462.webp 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1-1180x620.webp 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/protect-all-the-skin-sun-protection-1200x630-1.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



But people with darker skin are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a later stage when it can be harder to treat. In addition, people with darker skin are much more likely to develop melanoma in parts of the body that get less sun, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, beneath the fingernails, or even inside the mouth.



<div style="float: right; text-align: justified; width: 300px; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px; margin-left: 10px;">
The ABCDEs of melanoma
 
A: Asymmetry. Does one half look different than the other?
 
B: Border. Does it have an irregular edge?
 
C: Color. Does it have multiple colors? 
 
D: Diameter. Is it longer than 6mm across or about the diameter of a pencil eraser? 
 
E: Evolving. Is it changing over time? 

</div>



That&#8217;s why both prevention and skin self-exam are so important. Experts recommend knowing the <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/at-risk/abcdes">ABCDEs of melanoma</a> (see sidebar) and performing a skin self-exam about once a month. It&#8217;s essential to monitor your skin and talk to a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist, if you notice any changes, including new or changed moles, bumps, or sores.



Early detection — often through self-exam and regular mole checks by a dermatologist — can also go a long way toward ensuring healthy outcomes. There&#8217;s another tool for assessing one&#8217;s risk, and that&#8217;s looking at your genetics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme">23andMe+</h2>



As part of 23andMe+ Premium, members can access two reports to assess their genetic likelihood of developing one of these three common types of skin cancer.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="355" height="218" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/melanoma-story-1.ee0eb73ae029.svg" alt="" class="wp-image-29458"/></figure>



The service offers a Skin Cancer (Melanoma) report and a Skin Cancer (Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas) report. Both reports use polygenic risk scores (PRS) to assess a member&#8217;s likelihood of developing one of these cancers. These statistical models consider a person&#8217;s genetic ancestry and birth sex.&nbsp;



The reports also include some prevention tips. Some of these tips are obvious but also bear repeating. For instance, knowing that repeated sunburns substantially increase the risk is a reminder to use sunscreen and protect yourself from too much sun. However, research has also found that genetic factors and specific traits play a role.&nbsp;



Not long ago, using data from 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research, researchers from Indiana University found genetic variants associated with <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/new-genetic-research-on-skin-cancer/">squamous cell carcinomas</a>. A few years before, researchers at Stanford, also using 23andMe data, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-study-on-genetics-of-common-type-of-skin-cancer">found genetic variants associated</a> with <a href="https://www.oncotarget.com/article/15230/">the risk of melanoma</a>. Most recently, a team of researchers in Australia, with the help of 23andMe data, found more than 70 genetic variants associated with melanoma and identified correlations between melanoma and <a href="https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(21)02513-6/fulltext#secsectitle0070">autoimmune diseases</a> such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="302" height="160" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/melanoma-story-4.d0a1c76c810e.svg" alt="" class="wp-image-29457"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-you-can-do">What You Can Do</h2>



Being vigilant, especially for new moles or discolored skin, and protecting your skin from the sun can all help lower the likelihood of developing skin cancer.



A self-examination is a little more challenging for areas like the back, so having a partner, doctor, or a dermatologist take a look is a good idea.



Everyone should be aware of the risk of skin cancer, but some individuals have more risk than others. Individuals with lighter skin, many moles, who sunburn easily, or who have a family history of skin cancer should be particularly vigilant.&nbsp;



Wearing sun protection (like &#8220;broad spectrum&#8221; sunscreen and protective clothing) outdoors is essential—even when it’s cloudy. Avoiding tanning beds is also important.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more">More</h2>



23andMe&#8217;s skin cancer reports are available to all annual 23andMe+ Premium Membership subscribers.&nbsp; Premium members can view your report <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.skin_cancer_melanoma/">here</a> and <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/prs.skin_cancer_bcc_scc/">here</a>.&nbsp;



Are you still waiting to be a23andMe+ Premium member?



Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership">here</a>.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faq">FAQ</h2>



<div class="schema-faq"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1715726714056">What is melanoma? Melanoma is a common and serious form of skin cancer that can originate from moles. Early detection offers the best chance for treatment, so it&#8217;s essential to get familiar with your moles to notice changes that could signal that a mole is becoming cancerous. Only about two percent of skin cancers are melanoma, but this aggressive form of cancer is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanomas are more likely than other skin cancers to be lethal because they can spread locally or metastasize to different parts of the body. While ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure and skin characteristics like moles, freckles, or light skin tones are key factors in the risk for melanoma, genetic factors also play a role. Again, this is why early detection is so important so that they can be treated before cancer can spread. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1715726734989">What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell carcinoma is very common. This form of cancer begins in basal cells found in the skin&#8217;s outer layer. The most common cause of basal cell carcinoma is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. This can happen even on a cloudy day or through a glass window. In addition, UV light exposure from tanning beds and sun lamps increases the risk. Basal cell carcinoma also most often occurs in areas of the skin that are most exposed, such as the face, head, and neck, but it can happen anywhere. For people with darker skin, squamous and basal cell carcinomas often appear more like a dark brown or black bump that might be glossy and have a rolled border. The first sign is typically a bump, growth, or sore that doesn&#8217;t heal. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and tends to grow slowly. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1715726753850">What is squamous cell carcinoma? Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma often occurs due to too much exposure to UV light from the sun or other sources like tanning beds or sun lamps. Like basal cell carcinoma, it most often occurs in areas of the skin that are most exposed, but squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to happen on the scalp, the backs of hands, ears, and lips. However, as with basal cell carcinoma, it can develop in other areas. For example, among people with darker skin, squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears on the legs and other areas that typically get less sun exposure. For people with darker skin, squamous and basal cell carcinomas often seem more like a dark brown or black bump that might be glossy and have a rolled border. The first sign is typically a bump, growth, or sore that doesn&#8217;t heal. Squamous carcinoma is very treatable and tends to grow slowly. </div> </div>



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Understand Your Genetics Likelihood of Developing Skin Cancer

Raising Awareness about Blood Clotting Risk for Women

It&#8217;d been 43 years since the last time Kim held her son.&nbsp;



In all those decades, she wondered what had happened after she&#8217;d given him up in a private adoption as a scared 15-year-old girl. Kim&#8217;s life turned out well: She married and has two wonderful daughters and grandkids, but the thought of her son and the questions never left her.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-good-person">A Good Person</h2>



Did he have a good life? Did his parents love him? Was he happy?



&#8220;You know, the only thing I could ever think about in my head was, &#8216;I just want him to be alive and be a good person,'&#8221; Kim said.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="284" height="300" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kimberly-Ramos-and-Jason-284x300.png" alt="Kim and her son Jason soon after meeting in person for the first time." class="wp-image-32850" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kimberly-Ramos-and-Jason-284x300.png 284w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kimberly-Ramos-and-Jason-768x813.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kimberly-Ramos-and-Jason-968x1024.png 968w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kimberly-Ramos-and-Jason-832x880.png 832w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kimberly-Ramos-and-Jason.png 1066w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 284px) 100vw, 284px" /></figure>



With the help of 23andMe and her daughter Jenny, Kim could answer those questions. Most importantly, she was able to embrace her son, Jason, for the first time and see the wonderful father and person he&#8217;d become.&nbsp;



Their first in-person meeting was at a gas station near Des Moines, a random halfway point between where Kim had been in Minnesota and Jason in Missouri. Kim found a friendly cashier to record the moment on her cellphone, and you can hear the cashier’s sweet comments while she’s filming.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-long-embrace">A Long Embrace</h2>



In the video, you can see their minute-long embrace in the aisles between the chips and soda fountain and the emotion welling up in them. Kim cries and pulls back to look into Jason&#8217;s eyes and touch his cheeks as the two — mother and son — soak in the moment.



For Jason, it was the first time he had looked at someone besides his kids who looked like him. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Kim and Jason First Hug" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ERbWCvwZ-Ao?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>
</div></figure>



&#8220;That was like, &#8216;Wow,'&#8221; he said.



Their story was unexpected for both of them. Jason always knew he had been adopted, but he wasn&#8217;t looking for his biological parents. Raised in a loving Midwest home with four siblings, who also were adoptees, Jason didn&#8217;t feel the need to go searching. He had questions, but he wasn&#8217;t looking.&nbsp;



Then, in late 2022, his wife, Elizabeth, gave him a 23andMe kit for Christmas. The two, who met and fell in love in high school, have three children and one grandchild. Elizabeth survived a breast cancer battle starting in 2019, and now in their 40s, the couple wanted to know more about their health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-health-information">Looking for Health Information</h2>



Jason, who had no family health history, thought it was vital for him and his children.



&#8220;If you grew up with a mom and dad and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and grandparents, you&#8217;d know if there was anything you should be aware of,&#8221; he said.



Jason used 23andMe to see if he had any genetic predispositions that would concern him or his three children and one grandson.



&#8220;So, the motivation was, &#8216; Let&#8217;s (learn more) for (the kids) sake,’&#8221; he said.



He did get some health information indicating a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, but he&#8217;d also opted into DNA Relatives. Opening DNA Relatives, he saw someone matched as a predicted niece. He messaged her almost immediately, and he got a response.



&#8220;I&#8217;m not your niece. I&#8217;m your half-sister. Our mom&#8217;s name is Kimberly.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-someone-searching-for-me">Someone Searching for Me</h2>



Kim&#8217;s daughter Jenny knew all about her mom giving up a son at 15. She was able to fill Jason in on his biological mom&#8217;s life.



&#8220;It was unbelievable, you know, because I wasn&#8217;t looking for one, and it happened so fast,&#8221; Jason said. &#8220;It was literally within a minute or two that she responded, which blew my mind.&#8221;



The two quickly connected on the phone and talked. Jenny was in Nebraska, and Jason was at home in Missouri. So much was loaded into Jenny&#8217;s response and their conversation on the phone.



&#8220;Like, I just had no idea that there was somebody out there looking for me, you know? So, yeah, it&#8217;s hard to imagine all that when you&#8217;re an adoptee,&#8221; Jason said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mom-are-you-sitting-down">Mom, Are You Sitting Down?</h2>



They&#8217;d talked in the evening, but Jenny waited until morning to call Kim.



&#8220;Mom, are you sitting down,&#8221; she said.



Kim, concerned something was terribly wrong, sat down and braced herself. Her husband stood by, concerned.



&#8220;Mom, I found your son,&#8221; Jenny said.



&#8220;We were both crying and talking,&#8221; Kim said. It took me a while to catch my breath, but as soon as I did, I called (Jason), and it&#8217;s been like it was all meant to be.&#8221;



They eventually arranged to meet in person. Kim and her husband now live in Florida but had been in Minnesota and were on a road trip to see their daughter in Nebraska, so she and Jason arranged to meet at a road stop gas station about midway.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-relationship">Building a Relationship</h2>



For Kim, getting to know Jason, learning about his upbringing, meeting his family, and having them embrace her has given her peace. She&#8217;s building relationships with them that are expanding her family. Jason and his wife have visited Kim and her husband in Florida. They all spent time with Jason&#8217;s family in Missouri.



&#8220;His entire family was there to meet us, and I cannot tell you how nervous I was to meet them, but I got the best hugs and love from everybody,&#8221; Kim said. &#8220;I&#8217;m so thankful these lovely people adopted Jason.&#8221;



They&#8217;re trying to build new family traditions, but Kim said there isn&#8217;t a rush.



&#8220;I don&#8217;t need to hurry anything,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We&#8217;re a family now. We&#8217;re together, and we&#8217;re not going anywhere.&#8221;



Jason knows that many adoptees never get the opportunity to meet their birth mom or build a relationship. Maybe they never connect; if they do, it isn&#8217;t a welcoming experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;



&#8220;I didn&#8217;t even realize anything was missing in my life, but now I feel complete.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discover-more-with-23andme">Discover more with 23andMe</h2>



Not everyone is searching for family, but <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service </a>can help you learn your genetic connections to more than 3000 geographic regions or your connections to DNA Relatives with whom you share DNA. 



If you want to go deeper, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">23andMe Health + Ancestry</a> gives you all the great insights of the Ancestry Service, plus more than 150 personalized reports with information to help you manage your health. 



Learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">all that 23andMe offers here</a>.

Latest Posts — Page 17