This week, 23andMe launched Health Action Plan, a new digital feature that combines genetic data, health history, and biomarkers from bloodwork to offer personalized recommendations for better health for 23andMe+ Premium members.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="786" height="1704" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4.png" alt="An image of the mobile version of the Health Action Plan recommendations page." class="wp-image-32204" style="width:360px;height:undefinedpx" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4.png 786w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4-138x300.png 138w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4-768x1665.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4-472x1024.png 472w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4-406x880.png 406w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-4-544x1180.png 544w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 786px) 100vw, 786px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailored-recommendations">Tailored Recommendations</h6>



Health Action Plan can help customers take the next step for prevention, early detection of risk, and give people a path forward in their health journey. It offers customers personalized, specific actions and next steps. 23andMe created this new feature partly because many of our customers said they wanted help prioritizing what steps they should focus on to mitigate risk and optimize their health.



“We frequently hear from customers that they want to take action based on their genetic health information but don&#8217;t know where to start,” said Robin Smith, Ph.D., Director of 23andMe Product Management. “Health Action Plan provides them with a prioritized to-do list of recommendations based on their DNA or other self-reported health history that&#8217;s updated as new reports are released or as the science changes.”



The personalized recommendations from Health Action Plan are based on U.S. guidelines, and will help 23andMe+ Premium members focus on what’s most important for their health, and then give them actionable steps they can take to help improve their own health journey.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-genetics">More than Just Genetics</h6>



This new feature is like a genetic check-up, but it includes much more than DNA data.



With a customer’s consent, Health Action Plan draws on genetic health reports as well as a person’s self-reported health history and blood test results. Together, this data helps inform tailored recommendations, prioritizing what are the most important steps for a customer to take. As customers answer health survey questions, 23andMe will be able to expand the breadth of recommendations made to customers, offering further insights on actions they should take next.



Health Action Plan also works in tandem with the other features such as the self reported health history and or answers to survey questions as well as features such as <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/stay-on-track-with-23andme-health-tracks">Health Tracks</a>SM.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="719" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1024x719.png" alt="An image of the mobile display for health tracks looking at different trajectories of risk based on genetics, and a healthy lifestyle." class="wp-image-32105" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1024x719.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-300x211.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-768x539.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-880x618.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1180x828.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM.png 1732w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Health Tracks uses data visualization to allow 23andMe+ Premium members see how making healthy changes, including taking steps recommended through Health Action Plan, could significantly bend the risk curve over time and steer them toward healthier outcomes, even for those with a higher genetic likelihood of developing one of those conditions.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations">Recommendations</h6>



Health Action Plan might include recommendations around diet, or reducing stress, improving sleep, or other lifestyle changes. But based on genetics in combination with non-genetic risk factors, Health Action Plan may also help identify the need for a customer to talk to a doctor or for more clinical services.



So, for example, if an individual’s&nbsp; genetic health predisposition is an&nbsp; increased likelihood for developing high triglycerides, a recommendation might be to get a blood test that looks at triglycerides and other lipids. This is important because while high triglycerides often have no symptoms, they can be a risk factor not just for heart disease but can be part of something called<a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/metabolic-syndrome"> metabolic syndrome</a>. Metabolic syndromes increase the risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.



For individuals with an increased likelihood for developing high triglycerides or who do currently have high triglycerides or other lipids, there are steps one can take including changes in diet and lifestyle that could help.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="236" height="512" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-3.png" alt="An image of the Health Action Plan recommendations." class="wp-image-32205" style="width:360px;height:undefinedpx" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-3.png 236w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Action-plan-3-138x300.png 138w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-and-blood-testing-nbsp">23andMe and Blood Testing &nbsp;</h6>



Eligible <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium</a> members may have the ability to have a healthcare provider order a lab test, and return results with a clinical analysis through the 23andMe experience.* 



A clinician ordered lab test can be done through the 23andMe experience and is both intuitive and simple. The test itself will be done at a local lab. Once the results are completed, customers will be able to not just view their results, but also have the opportunity to get a clinical analysis of your results from a Lemonaid Health clinician — Lemonaid Health is a telemedicine company owned by 23andMe. In addition, by adding this kind of bloodwork and biomarker data, customers can receive additional tailored recommendations that can be even further prioritized and continue to help identify potential health risks.&nbsp;



While the new Health Action Plan might suggest getting additional lab tests or consulting with a healthcare provider, customers will also get lifestyle recommendations about things like diet and exercise.



If a customer wishes they can also dismiss or silent certain recommendations.



It’s important to note that none of the recommendations should be used to replace a visit to a primary care physician.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-out-more">Find Out More</h6>



This initial release of Health Action Plan is part of 23andMe’s continued push to create genetically informed care for our customers. It aligns with our mission of empowering our customers by helping them access, understand, and benefit from the human genome.



This is just another addition to features and tools our customers can use to be more proactive about their health.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ </a>Premium members can find the Health Action Plan feature under Health &amp; Traits or go<a href="https://you.23andme.com/health/healthactionplan/"> here</a>.



Not yet a 23andMe+ Premium member? Find out more all that 23andMe has to offer and<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/"> compare our services here</a>.



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



*Blood testing through 23andMe is not available in NY, NJ, RI, OK, HI, PR

An illustration showing families exercising.

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

A Health Action Plan for You

Today, 23andMe is announcing its new, advanced health membership – <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/">23andMe+ Total Health</a>™, which launches to new consumers in early November.&nbsp;



Total Health is designed to be a comprehensive, prevention-based membership, combining clinical grade exome sequencing, biannual blood testing, and unprecedented access to clinicians trained in genetics. Total Health will also include all the reports and features offered in our existing <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium Membership</a> in addition to these new services.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="640" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23andme-plus-total-health-1024x640.png" alt="" class="wp-image-32474" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23andme-plus-total-health-1024x640.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23andme-plus-total-health-300x187.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23andme-plus-total-health-768x480.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23andme-plus-total-health-880x550.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23andme-plus-total-health-1180x737.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



“We’re bringing the power of genetics into your personal healthcare journey,” said 23andMe’s Vice President of Genomic Health Noura Abul-Husn, M.D. Ph.D. “We’re offering comprehensive genetic testing – including exome sequencing – to help you understand your disease risks, blood testing to check on your health status, and access to clinicians with unique expertise to guide your next steps.”



As a medical geneticist Noura said she wants people to understand how their genetic information is connected to their health. This empowers them to use&nbsp;that knowledge to stay healthy, she said.



“We don’t typically see genetics being used this way in healthcare, but it can, and it should. It’s about prevention,” Noura said. “It’s personal. It’s the whole story. It’s Total Health.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-prevention-focused-future">A prevention-focused future</h2>



Total Health delivers on our mission to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. This membership is for individuals who want to augment their current healthcare experience with even more direct access to comprehensive genetic testing, risk assessment in critical health areas, and personalized health plans driven by clinicians with unique knowledge and training in genetics. This is for the consumer who is actively focused on ongoing health management, longevity and direct access to even more testing so they can mitigate, or prevent, disease.



Through the combination of critical health data, including comprehensive and personalized genetic information, blood biomarkers and personal and family medical history, the genetics-trained clinicians can provide risk assessments and help build a highly personalized, preventive health plan.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="639" height="279" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Total-Health-Summary.jpg" alt="An image showing some of what is included in Total Health, exome sequening, bloodd tests, consult with clinician." class="wp-image-32293" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Total-Health-Summary.jpg 639w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Total-Health-Summary-300x131.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-included">What’s included?</h2>



Exome sequencing



Through advanced exome sequencing, members will receive clinician-ordered genetic testing that looks deeper into high impact genes associated with 55+ health conditions that, if detected early, may have effective preventive measures and clinical interventions. This includes screens for clinically actionable and under-diagnosed hereditary conditions related to cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, neurological and other health conditions. This includes all <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clinvar/docs/acmg/">genes considered medically actionable</a> by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG).&nbsp;



Biannual blood testing



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1176" height="966" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/th-desktop.42775e8b272a0a7941b83aa48d04d95c.png" alt="What's included labs, consult and exome sequencing." class="wp-image-32290" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/th-desktop.42775e8b272a0a7941b83aa48d04d95c.png 1176w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/th-desktop.42775e8b272a0a7941b83aa48d04d95c-300x246.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/th-desktop.42775e8b272a0a7941b83aa48d04d95c-768x631.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/th-desktop.42775e8b272a0a7941b83aa48d04d95c-1024x841.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/th-desktop.42775e8b272a0a7941b83aa48d04d95c-880x723.png 880w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1176px) 100vw, 1176px" /></figure>



While genetics offers insight into the future, blood testing gives insight into the now. Total Health members will get comprehensive blood tests that assess 55+ biomarkers, including ones that go beyond your routine labs. This includes measuring things like blood sugar levels, kidney, liver and thyroid function, along with cholesterol and advanced lipoprotein levels, which offer ongoing insight for prevention and early detection. Members will receive biannual testing, allowing them to track results and measure progress all within their 23andMe account. Blood testing is initiated by a clinician and members will complete their testing through a local lab offered by a third-party provider.&nbsp;



Access to clinicians trained in genetics



Total Health members will have access to clinicians trained in genetics. Clinicians will review all blood biomarkers, genetic data and personal and family medical history to provide members with personalized risk assessments and help build a preventive health plan tailored to each individual. Members are able to engage in an annual virtual clinician consultation, as well as have ongoing messaging conversations with clinicians about their reports, progress they are making, or to ask questions.



23andMe+ Premium Membership



As part of Total Health, members will gain access to all the premium reports and features delivered through <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium</a>. This includes:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>FDA authorized reports offered through our Health + Ancestry Service*</li>



<li>Polygenic reports (powered by 23andMe research), which look at your genetic likelihood for more common conditions like high LDL cholesterol, asthma and anxiety</li>



<li>Pharmacogenetic reports, which help you understand how your genetics can impact how you process certain medications**</li>



<li>Enhanced ancestry features</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-coverage">Expanding coverage</h2>



Historically, 23andMe has offered reports using genotyping technology, a powerful, efficient and accurate way to examine DNA variants at certain pre-identified positions in the genome. The specific positions we look at are known to more commonly vary between individuals that span the entire genome.&nbsp;



However, exome sequencing is an advanced, comprehensive genetic testing technology that involves reading every DNA letter in its correct order within a given piece of the genome. This provides individuals with a more complete picture, surfacing the majority of genetic variants known to be associated with disease risk.



For example, we use genotyping for our BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report*, which looks at 44 variants within the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. With exome sequencing, Total Health will include reports that look at all the thousands of variants within the coding region of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. We’ll also include thousands of variants in many other genes associated with increased cancer risks.&nbsp;



Our exome sequencing will go beyond cancer to also include clinical interpretations of high impact genes associated with other hereditary health conditions that, if detected early, may have effective prevention measures and clinical interventions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/">23andMe+ Total Health</a> offers members a fuller picture of their risk for disease, helping them navigate to a healthier future.&nbsp;



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



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-availability-and-eligibility">Availability and Eligibility</h6>



Total Health is available for those 18 and older in the United States (excluding Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island). The 23andMe+ Total Health membership costs $999, with an annual membership renewal of $499 per year.



Learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/">23andMe+ Total Health™ here</a>.



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<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-pgs-test-information">Important PGS Test Information</h6>



*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.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations-nbsp">Warnings &amp; Limitations:&nbsp;</h6>



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 by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit 23andme.com/test-info.



**23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Our SLCO1B1 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with the processing of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of simvastatin therapy. Our DPYD Pharmacogenetics report does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Results for DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetic reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics.

A Totally New 23andMe Health Membership: Total Health

Sarah opened her 23andMe report and immediately understood that this was serious.



“I knew it was something I had to take action about right away, and that’s what I did,” she said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-a-whim">On a Whim</h6>



The Bay Area mother of two young children with a thriving career in tech, said she isn’t really sure what prompted her to buy a 23andMe kit for herself and her husband.



“I’m not an overly &#8216;woo woo&#8217; person, but I can’t explain it,” she said. “I knew about 23andMe, and that it was popular, but I can’t explain exactly why I felt so strongly about ordering it.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed 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="Sarah&#039;s 23andMe Story" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IckIRlh406U?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>



It’s lucky she did.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brca1-brca2-selected-variants-genetic-health-risk-report">BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk Report</h6>



Of course, Sarah was curious about what she’d learn from exploring her DNA, but she didn’t go into the experience looking for a specific insight. She just felt she needed to order it, so she did. The kits arrived in the mail and she and her husband sent off their samples to the lab. A couple of weeks later she got a message in the 23andMe app letting her know her reports were in.



She opted in to view her Health reports, went through a short tutorial then opened her BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk Report.*



Right away, Sarah saw the test detected a variant in the BRCA2 gene that put her at higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. She was stunned. Cancer didn’t run in her family, or at least not that she knew. Her paternal grandparents, both Holocaust survivors, lived long, healthy lives. And she was both fit and healthy herself.



“I knew it wasn’t good,” Sarah said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-serious">This is Serious</h6>



We’re sharing Sarah’s story as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month of October we’ll be highlighting how 23andMe has helped flagged a risk for those who might not have otherwise learned that they carried a risk variant. Indeed, most people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 risk variant don’t know they have one, according to a 2018 study by researchers at <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324494/">Geisinger Health in Pennsylvania</a>.&nbsp;



Like many others, Sarah had no idea she had a risk variant until after she received her 23andMe report. But she’d opened her report just an hour before a birthday party in her honor, so she waited to process the newly received information. About a week later, at the end of an already scheduled annual physical with her general practitioner, she showed her doctor her 23andMe report.



“He said it was serious and told me he was referring me to the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at UCSF,” Sarah said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-action">Taking Action</h6>



In quick succession, she saw a genetic counselor, was tested at the clinic to confirm that she did indeed carry the variant 23andMe detected, and began meeting with BRCA specialists. Their first recommendation was that she preventatively remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries to completely avoid future cancer risk to those organs. She acted fast, but after that first surgery she wasn’t yet ready for a preventative mastectomy, and instead elected to get a mammogram and MRI twice a year as part of a high risk breast cancer screening protocol, one that she wouldn’t have qualified for without her recent BRCA discovery given her cancer-free family history. But in November of 2022, about a year after first testing with 23andMe, her MRI came back abnormal. A biopsy showed that she had early-stage breast cancer in both breasts.



“I was shocked, but I went into action mode,” Sarah said.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-is-power">Knowledge is Power</h6>



Her doctors recommended she have a double mastectomy, and Sarah agreed and acted quickly. A month later she had surgery including the removal of lymph nodes on each side to test for the spread of any cancer cells outside her breast tissue. When the pathology on her removed breast tissue and nodes came back, Sarah received great news: her lymph nodes were clear and the cancer hadn’t spread. Her bilateral breast cancers had both been extremely small and caught incredibly early. As a result, Sarah didn’t need any post-surgical chemotherapy or radiation, and less than a year since her cancer diagnosis she is back to living her normal, vibrant life.



Sarah said that because of the size and type of cancers, its likely they wouldn’t have been discovered by a regular annual mammogram for many years.Thankfully, due to her high risk status as a BRCA carrier, she was able to get regular MRI’s which lead to early detection. Sarah believes that if she hadn&#8217;t&nbsp; gotten tested through 23andMe, she might not have discovered the cancers until many years later, and by then it may have been too late to successfully treat.



“I really believe 23andMe saved my life,” said Sarah. “If I never received that information I don’t know if I’d be sitting here in a couple of years…knowledge is power and whatever you learn you can act on … so empower yourself and take the test.”



23andMe’s BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk Report originally looked at three variants in those genes that are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. In August, 23andMe received FDA authorization to add another 41 variants to its report.** Now the report looks at 44 variants. Many of these additional variants are most common in people with African American, Latino, or Asian ancestry. More than 20,000 23andMe customers have one of the variants that will be included in the updated report.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="930" height="760" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32247" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile.jpg 930w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile-300x245.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile-768x628.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile-880x719.jpg 880w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 930px) 100vw, 930px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">23andMe recently added 41 additional variants to its BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) report.</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">23andMe Health + Ancestry Service</a> customers tested on our latest genotyping chip have access to the expanded report.&nbsp;



Existing customers can view<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/ghr.brca_v2/"> their report here</a>. Not yet a customer? You can find out<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/"> all that 23andMe has to offer here</a>.



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



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-test-information">Important Test Information:</h6>



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, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It 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 treatments. 



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations">Warnings &amp; Limitations: </h6>



The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health RIsk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.&nbsp; The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. 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. 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.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-test-information-for-updated-report">Important Test Information for Updated Report:</h6>



**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, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person&#8217;s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It 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 treatments. 



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations-0">Warnings &amp; Limitations: </h6>



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 by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.

A photo of Sara at home with her daughter.

Sarah’s 23andMe Report Leads to Preventative Action

Expands Coverage for Underrepresented Populations



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="930" height="760" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32247" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile.jpg 930w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile-300x245.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile-768x628.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BRCA-2.0-Mobile-880x719.jpg 880w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 930px) 100vw, 930px" /></figure>



As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 23andMe is also releasing its expanded BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report,* adding 41 additional variants to the report. Many of these variants are more common in people of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian descent.



All of these variants are associated with a higher likelihood of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, no matter your ancestry. This new addition builds upon 23andMe’s original BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report, which in 2018 received the first-ever FDA authorization for a direct-to-consumer genetic health risk test for cancer. The original report provided information on three BRCA1/2 variants, most prevalent in those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-health-disparities-in-cancer-risk-detection">Addressing Health Disparities in Cancer Risk Detection</h6>



Adding additional variants to the BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report will expand the number of people benefitting from the report. Studies have found that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324494/">more than 80 percent</a> of people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 risk variant don’t know they have it. Many do not have a family history of cancer that would qualify them for traditional genetic testing through a healthcare professional. Layered onto that are disparities in access to BRCA1/2 genetic testing in some communities in the U.S., including the Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian communities. Black Americans also experience <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36190501/">dramatic disparities in breast cancer outcomes</a>, according to published research by the American Cancer Society.&nbsp;



“While the incidence of breast cancer is higher in white women, Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer,” said Vina Morris, a two-time breast cancer survivor and founder of the breast cancer awareness organization AfroPink. “This startling health disparity may be explained through lack of access to quality healthcare and delayed screening, which prevents earlier detection and more promising treatment options.”



<a href="https://afropink.org/who-we-are/">AfroPink</a> is a non-profit breast cancer awareness organization that focuses on dispelling myths about the disease within the Afro-American community. The group also provides resources and encourages prevention.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-coverage-helping-more-people">More Coverage Helping More People</h6>



Vina attended a recent Breast Cancer Awareness Month event in New York City. She was there with 23andMe’s Vice President of Genomic Health, Noura Abul-Husn, MD, PhD. Noura highlighted the expanded coverage of 23andMe’s BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report. Noura noted that more than 20,000 23andMe customers — including both female and male customers — have one of the risk variants included in the updated report.&nbsp;



The 44 genetic variants included in the report account for about 30-to-40 percent of cancer-related BRCA variants among people of African American, non-Ashkenazi European, and Hispanic/Latino descent. The added variants also include several in people of East Asian and South Asian descent. Thousands of variants within the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer an increased risk for cancer. While this report includes some more common variants, it does not include all BRCA risk variants. Knowing one has a variant offers customers a chance to discuss options with their healthcare provider. This might involve getting confirmatory genetic testing or taking preventive action. They may also include enhanced surveillance of prophylactic surgery or medication. 



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-availability">Availability</h6>



The expanded report is available to existing 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers who were genotyped on 23andMe’s <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>, V5. As with select other Genetic Health Risk reports*, customers must specifically opt-in if they want to view the the report. The report also includes an education module. This ensures customers are thoroughly informed on what they can learn, the report&#8217;s limitations, and how to use the results.



The 23andMe BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report utilizes the same informational concepts previously demonstrated in studies submitted to the FDA for its Genetic Health Risk reports. Those were shown to have 90 percent or greater overall user comprehension in a demographically diverse population study.&nbsp;



23andMe also carried out robust analytical validation studies to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/brca1-brca2">meet FDA requirements</a>. This allowed 23andMe to add variants to the BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report. Each variant tested demonstrated &gt;99 percent concordance with Sanger sequencing. 23andMe also showed &gt;99 percent reproducibility when tested under different laboratory conditions.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-out-more">Find Out More</h6>



23andMe Health + Ancestry customers on the lastest chip who want to see their <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/ghr.brca_v2/">BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report can go here.</a>



Not yet a customer? Find out more about 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service and all the other services offered to customers <a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">here</a>.



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



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disclaimer">Disclaimer</h6>



**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.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-warnings-amp-limitations">&nbsp;Warnings &amp; Limitations: </h6>



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. These variants also 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. In addition, 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. It 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 by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk report, visit 23andme.com/test-info.&nbsp;

23andMe Updates BRCA1/2 Report

Although nine out of 10 parents in the US agree that knowing family health history is important for knowing their own health risks, fewer than half, 38 percent, actually know that history, according to a new survey.



That’s according to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. respondents from a nationally representative sample for age, gender, region and ethnicity, about 90 percent of whom self-identified as parents.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-duotone-unset-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="379" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-1024x379.jpg" alt="An image showing that 9 in 10 parents agreed that knowing family health history is important for knowing your own health risks." class="wp-image-32166" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-1024x379.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-300x111.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-768x284.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-880x326.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-1180x437.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important.jpg 1413w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsure-about-family-health-history">Unsure about Family health history</h6>



Eighty-two percent of parents surveyed were concerned about the risk of unknown hereditary conditions because they don&#8217;t know more of their family’s health history.



Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of <a href="https://www.23andme.com/">23andMe</a>, the survey also suggests that American parents are as likely to have complete medical information for their father as their mother (67 percent and 64 percent respectively). However, by the next generation, those numbers drop.



Parents surveyed were less likely to have records for their paternal grandparents than they are for maternal grandparents, for instance.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-answers">Finding Answers</h6>



For those who can’t connect with their biological relatives, or who are looking for further, more in-depth<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/learn-your-health-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> information about their health history</a>, there are other options. Half of parents polled have researched historical and medical records to learn more about their family.&nbsp;



And 52 percent of parents polled have taken a DNA test for health information —&nbsp;something 81 percent said is important in helping fill gaps they have about their biological family’s health history.



“If you have the ability to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/family-health-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discuss your family’s health history </a>with an actual living family member, don’t squander that opportunity,” said Noura Abul-Husn, VP, Genomic Health at 23andMe. “It can be a difficult conversation, and maybe they won’t have complete information to share, but every little bit can help bring you closer — and healthier — together.



“As beneficial as those conversations can be, DNA tests can also fill in the gaps, providing information even your relatives might not be aware of.”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-testing">DNA Testing</h6>



Of those who have taken a DNA test, 76 percent said they’ve adopted healthier behaviors as a result.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="658" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-1024x658.jpg" alt="An image illustrating that 76 of those surveyed who've taken a DNA test said they have adopted healthier behaviors as a result." class="wp-image-32168" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-300x193.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-768x493.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-880x565.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-1180x758.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior.jpg 1406w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Common DNA-inspired habits —&nbsp;for parents who have made healthy changed after taking a DNA test —&nbsp;included eating healthier (70 percent), improving stress and mindfulness (67 percent), and getting more exercise (67 percent).



DNA test or not, 46 percent of parents rate their overall health as “very healthy,” but only 39 percent strongly agree they’re in control of their health.



Roughly three in four, or 78 percent, were confident that they have the information they need to be proactive about their future health.&nbsp; 



“Genetic testing is an underutilized tool available for people to uncover important health info about their family and themselves,” added Abul-Husn. “Genetic testing can’t tell you the future, of course, but it can help you determine potential risk factors that you might not have known about, so you’re able to make better-informed choices for yourself and your family.”

Family Health History Check

23andMe and the non-profit Sickle Cell 101 have joined forces to expand our efforts in raising<a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell-awareness-program/"> awareness about people’s sickle cell carrier status</a>.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sickle-cell-awareness-program">The Sickle Cell Awareness Program</h6>



We are launching this program just as we commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. The project will include offering the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service for free to a limited number of individuals.* In addition, participants will have access to<a href="https://www.sc101.org/sicklecelltrait/"> Sickle Cell 101’s</a> online education tools and genetic counselors.



23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service includes a<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/"> Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status report.*</a>* This allows participants to learn their carrier status. 23andMe’s report includes extensive information about what it means to be a carrier of the sickle cell trait. But this collaboration also gives those with additional questions a place to go for answers. For instance, if a person has questions about the differences between having sickle cell trait — a carrier of sickle cell anemia with one copy of the HbS variant — versus having sickle cell disease, they can discuss this with a Sickle Cell 101 genetic counselor. Sickle Cell 101 is the largest global online platform for sickle cell education, awareness, and research.&nbsp;



“This project builds on what we’re already doing at 23andMe,” said Joyce Tung, PhD, 23andMe’s Vice President of Research. “We have research projects underway and an ongoing awareness campaign focused on sickle cell. Partnering with Sickle Cell 101 will allow us to expand that effort to more people. 23andMe is about empowering people through access to their genetic data to make more informed health decisions, which is exactly what this program offers.”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-sickle-cell-trait-and-sickle-cell-disease">More about Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease</h6>



But much work is needed to raise awareness more broadly about these conditions.



The most commonly known form of sickle cell disease is sickle cell anemia. To have sickle cell anemia, one must inherit two copies of the HbS variant. This would be one copy of the HbS variant from each biological parent. People with just one copy of the HbS variant are called carriers; they’re also said to have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/traits.html">sickle cell trait</a>. They’re not expected to have sickle cell anemia themselves. They typically do not experience any health complications. However, in rare cases, people with the sickle cell trait may experience some health impacts. You can learn more about sickle cell trait from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/traits.html">CDC</a> and the <a href="https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/sickle-cell-trait">American Society of Hematology</a>. You can also speak to your healthcare provider or experts at Sickle Cell 101 by contacting <a href="mailto:ask@sc101.org">ask@sc101.org</a>.&nbsp;



Importantly, carriers can pass their variant on to their future children. If their partner has the HbS variant or another variant in the HBB gene, there’s a 25 percent chance that each child may have sickle cell anemia or a related blood disorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Other forms of sickle cell disease are also caused by variants in the HBB gene. Instead of having two copies of the HbS variant, like people with sickle cell anemia, people with other types of sickle cell disease have one copy of the HbS variant and another variant elsewhere in the HBB gene. Examples of other types of sickle cell disease include hemoglobin sickle cell disease and sickle beta thalassemia disease.



<div style="float: right; text-align: justified; width: 400px; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px; margin-left: 10px;">Sickle Cell Facts You Need to Know


• A person must have two copies of the HbS variant in the HBB gene to have sickle cell anemia. 

• Typical signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia include episodes of pain, and frequent infections. 

• People with one copy of the HbS variant are carriers of sickle cell disease (sickle cell trait) who can pass the variant on to their future children. 

• About 1 in 13 African Americans have the HbS variant but the variant can also be found in people from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and part of Central and South America. </div>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-awareness-expanding-research">Building Awareness, Expanding Research</h6>



This project builds on <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell/">23andMe’s ongoing awareness program</a> with the<a href="https://www.msm.edu/"> Morehouse School of Medicine</a> and the <a href="https://www.sicklecellga.org/">Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG)</a>.&nbsp; The foundation also created a dedicated webpage for program participants. In addition, anyone who is participating in the 23andMe program to access the site and <a href="https://www.livingwellresources.org/geneticcounseling">connect with genetic counselors at SCFG via the following link: Genetic Counseling | Mysite</a>. From those efforts, we learned participants wanted to be able to ask questions about their status. Along with raising awareness about the importance of sickle cell carrier status testing and improving access to testing, this effort will offer additional online resources for people who may have sickle cell trait or have sickle cell disease.



Beyond raising awareness, 23andMe is also committed to learning more about sickle cell through our research. Our scientists are working on sickle cell research, most recently collaborating with scientists at the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a> and <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a>. The study’s <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-research-on-sickle-cell-trait">initial findings</a> were presented at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting in 2022, but have not yet been published. It is now the largest and most diverse genetic study of sickle cell trait.&nbsp;



More broadly, this effort will help with 23andMe’s efforts to improve the diversity of our research, as participants in the program have the opportunity to consent to participate in research if they choose, which will enable other studies like the Sickle Cell trait research above.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-1024x538.png" alt="An illustration for 23andMe's Sickle Cell Carrier Statues Awareness Program." class="wp-image-31918" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-1024x538.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-300x158.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-768x403.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-880x462.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-1180x620.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-s-sickle-cell-anemia-carrier-status-report">23andMe’s Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report**</h6>



23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/"> Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report</a>, which meets FDA requirements for clinical and analytical validity, looks at the HbS variant in the HBB gene, which is linked to sickle cell anemia.



Sickle cell anemia is the most severe form of sickle cell disease. Three-hundred-million people worldwide and one in 13 Black and or African Americans in the United States have sickle cell trait, making them carriers for sickle cell anemia.



In addition to informing people if they have one copy of the HbS variant and are carriers for sickle cell anemia, 23andMe&#8217;s report can also tell individuals if they have two copies of the tested variant and if they are at risk of developing symptoms of the condition. But the report does not describe one’s overall risk of developing symptoms.&nbsp;



Because the HbS variant is more common in certain populations, the Sickle Cell Anemia report is most relevant for people of African descent, as well as people of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent, as well as people from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America.



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



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eligibility">*Eligibility:</h6>



· You live in the United States



· You are at least 18 years old



· You have African ancestry; identify as Black, African American, or of African descent; or you have ancestry from a region where sickle cell disease is common†



· You are willing to provide a saliva sample for DNA testing



· You are willing to agree to 23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/legal/terms-of-service/"> Terms of Service</a> and<a href="https://www.23andme.com/legal/privacy/"> Privacy Statement</a>



· Research consent is optional and not required for participation in the program



†Regions include Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, the Caribbean, Mediterranean Europe/Asia, Central and South America.



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



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



**The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults for the purpose of reporting carrier status and reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. The relevance of each report may vary based on ethnicity. 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 or anything about the health of your fetus, or your newborn child’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. For important information and limitations regarding other genetic health risk reports and carrier status reports, click <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/">here</a>.



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

Allied in Raising Sickle Cell Awareness

Building on our <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-brca-report">first FDA authorization</a> for a direct-to-consumer genetic health risk test for cancer, 23andMe received clearance this week to expand the number of genetic variants covered in our BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report.*&nbsp;



These additional variants are all known to be associated with higher risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. Adding these variants will increase the number of people who may benefit from the report.



The clearance allows 23andMe to include 41 more variants than the three already included in the BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report. Those three variants are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.&nbsp;



“23andMe is the first and only company with FDA clearance to provide information directly to consumers on genetic risk for cancer, without a prescription,” said Kathy Hibbs, 23andMe’s Chief Administrative officer. “This clearance also allows us to expand access to this important information to traditionally underserved populations.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-clearance">New Clearance</h6>



In total, the 44 genetic variants account for about 30-to-40 percent of cancer-related BRCA variants among people of African American, non-Ashkenazi European, and Hispanic/Latino descent, and also several variants found in people of East Asian and South Asian descent. Having any of these variants increases your cancer risk, regardless of your ancestry.



The new clearance also represents a continued commitment to pioneer this work with the FDA while expanding access to crucial genetic health information for people. 23andMe received the first <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-special-controls-direct-consumer-test-reports-three-mutations-brca-breast-cancer">FDA authorization for a direct-to-consumer genetic test for cancer in 2018</a>. The latest clearance marks 23andMe’s fourth FDA clearance for hereditary cancer risk, and the ninth clearance for direct-to-consumer genetic health risk reports offered by 23andMe.&nbsp;



Beyond this most recent 510(k) clearance, the FDA also granted 23andMe the first-ever Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP). This will allow 23andMe to add more validated BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants and associated cancer information to its BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report without additional premarket review if those variants meet the same rigorous analytical and clinical requirements demonstrated in the recent clearance. That decision is under a new regulatory policy adopted by FDA this spring focused on using <a href="https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/marketing-submission-recommendations-predetermined-change-control-plan-artificial">artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled software</a> for patient health.&nbsp;



“We are proud to continue pioneering a path for greater access to health information,” said Hibbs. “Becoming the first company to receive PCCP clearance from the FDA under this novel approach will enable us to increase the pace at which we improve and expand our BRCA report.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-health-risk-report">Genetic Health Risk Report</h6>



New and existing 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers 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> will have access to the expanded BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report once it is updated. We plan to update this report with 41 additional variants later this year. Customers who have not already opted in to their BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report must opt in to receive the updated report. The report also includes an education module to ensure customers are fully informed on what they can learn from this report and how to use the results.



The 23andMe BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report utilizes the same informational concepts previously demonstrated in studies submitted to the FDA for its Genetic Health Risk reports. Those studies showed a 90 percent or greater overall user comprehension in a demographically diverse population. 23andMe also carried out robust analytical validation studies: Each variant tested demonstrated greater than 99 percent concordance with Sanger sequencing, and greater than 99 percent reproducibility when tested under different laboratory conditions. While the clearance expands the number of genetic variants covered in 23andMe’s BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report,* it does not test for all BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants known to increase cancer risk. Anyone with a family history of cancer should talk to their doctor to learn whether comprehensive genetic testing is right for them.&nbsp;



Learn more about 23andMe’s Health+Ancestry Service and how your <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">DNA can influence your health here</a>.&nbsp;



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<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations">*Warnings &amp; Limitations:</h6>



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, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It 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 treatments. 



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations-0">Warnings &amp; Limitations: </h6>



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 by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forward-looking-statements">Forward-Looking Statements</h6>



This blog contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future performance of 23andMe’s businesses in consumer genetics and therapeutics and the growth and potential of its proprietary research platform. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this blog, including statements regarding 23andMe’s strategy, financial position, funding for continued operations, cash reserves, projected costs, plans, potential future collaborations, product development and launches, the successful commercialization and market acceptance of new products and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words &#8220;believes,&#8221; &#8220;anticipates,&#8221; &#8220;estimates,&#8221; &#8220;plans,&#8221; &#8220;expects,&#8221; &#8220;intends,&#8221; &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;could,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221; &#8220;potential,&#8221; &#8220;likely,&#8221; &#8220;projects,&#8221; &#8220;predicts,&#8221; &#8220;continue,&#8221; &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;schedule,&#8221; and &#8220;would&#8221; or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. 



These forward-looking statements are predictions based on 23andMe’s current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. 23andMe cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on 23andMe’s forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of 23andMe), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A, &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this blog and, except as may be required by law, 23andMe undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise.

A image of double helix showing a variant

23andMe Improves BRCA Report for Communities Underrepresented in Genetic Testing

Your genetics aren’t your destiny, but understanding your genetics will help you take control of your future when it comes to your health.



This week we’re introducing 23andMe+ Premium Health TracksSM, a new feature for subscribers. Health Tracks brings some your 23andMe reports to life by enabling you to visualize and interact with your data. The feature makes it easier to understand how lifestyle and genetics may influence your health over time. 



By synthesizing genetic data with data about your lifestyle, Health Tracks allows you to see how making healthy choices each day — eating healthier, walking more, or getting more sleep — can greatly impact your health over time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="719" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1024x719.png" alt="An image of the mobile display for health tracks looking at different trajectories of risk based on genetics, and a healthy lifestyle." class="wp-image-32105" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1024x719.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-300x211.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-768x539.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-880x618.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1180x828.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM.png 1732w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-on-track-nbsp">Stay on Track&nbsp;</h6>



Health Tracks uses data visualization to allow you to see how healthy lifestyle habits can directly impact your health. 23andMe+ Premium members can see how staying on a healthy track can reduce their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. Health Tracks allows you to see how making healthy changes could significantly bend the risk curve. It will help steer you toward healthier outcomes, even for those with a higher genetic likelihood of developing one of those conditions.



23andMe+ Premium members should first update their recent lifestyle survey to optimize this feature. Updating this information will allow the feature to make more accurate projections. Health Tracks will initially be available for some of the most common conditions impacting people today. The feature looks at type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. We hope to add more conditions over time.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h6>



This new feature is meant to be a feature for you to optimize your health. And it is meant to help motivate you to reach your health goals over time. As they move forward on their health journey we hope people come back to Health Tracks to see how the positive changes they make every day can have a big impact on their health now and in the future.



23andMe+ Premium members can view their <a href="https://you.23andme.com/health/health-tracks/">Health Tracks here</a>.



Not yet a subscriber, take the first step to better health and <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">learn more about this feature and all that 23andMe+ Premium has to offer here</a>.

An illustration of a heart for heart health

Stay on Track with 23andMe Health Tracks

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-1400 size-full" title="bloodclot" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/bloodclot.jpg" alt="Blood cells clotting" width="350" height="260" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/bloodclot.jpg 350w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/bloodclot-300x223.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />
Editor&#8217;s note: This post has been edited since it was first published in 2012. 
A person&#8217;s genetics and lifestyle all factor into their risk for developing blood clots in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein">deep veins</a>, a condition known medically as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
<h2>More on VTE</h2>
VTE starts with the formation of a <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/deep-vein-thrombosis/DS01005">blood clot deep in the body</a>, usually in the legs, and occasionally escalates into a more serious condition called “pulmonary embolism” if the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs.
About one in 100 people with European ancestry will develop a blood clot in his or her lifetime and in nearly 25 percent of these cases the first sign will be sudden death.
Fracturing your hip or leg, having hip or knee replacement surgery, being immobilized like on a long flight, being pregnant, smoking, and taking <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/a-stroke-survivor">oral birth control pills</a> all increase risk for VTE to varying degrees.
<h2>Genetics and Clotting, And Factor V</h2>
There isn&#8217;t a &#8220;blot clotting gene&#8221; but <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/the-genetics-of-blood-clots">genetics plays an important role in clotting.</a> A study by lead author John Heit from the Mayo Clinic suggests that variants of just three genes – F5, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/hereditary-thrombophila">F2</a>, and ABO – account for nearly all the possible genetic risk in people with European ancestry. These results imply that researchers are unlikely to discover new genetic factors that significantly impact VTE risk in the general population.
Two of the three major genes have especially large impacts on risk for VTE. The F5 gene encodes the factor V clotting factor, a protein that causes blood cells to stick together.
A specific variant in the F5 gene are at about five times the risk of developing a VTE. The variant is known as “Factor V Leiden,” named after the city in the Netherlands where the role of this variant was first discovered.
The F2 gene encodes prothrombin, another clotting factor. A variant in that gene identified by scientists makes an individual nearly four times more likely to develop a blood clot. The risky versions of F5 and F2 are fairly rare in the general population.
<h2>The ABO Gene</h2>
The ABO gene determines the common blood groups O, A, B and AB. It’s been shown that people with non-O blood types are at increased risk for VTE. A number of variants in or near the ABO gene have been associated with VTE risk. The study by Heit further confirms that the version of the ABO gene that makes someone have a non-O blood type also makes him or her about two times more likely to develop VTE.
In addition to showing that versions of F5, F2 and ABO account for most risk in people with European ancestry, the study also suggested that a variant of the SELP gene further increases a person’s risk for VTE but only if he or she also inherited the risky version of F5 from the same parent. The SELP gene encodes a protein called P-Selectin and it’s already known that increased levels of P-Selectin are linked to VTE. But since less than 5 percent of the population even has the risky version of F5, this new finding only explains risk for a small number of people.
For reasons that are still unclear, VTE is much more common in people with European and African-American ancestry and <a href="http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/107/23_suppl_1/I-4.full">less prevalent</a> in Asian and Latino populations. More research is needed to define the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry">genetic risk factors</a> in non-European populations.

Health + Traits — Page 7