Explaining Cascade Testing for Genetic Conditions
At Genetics.ie, we regularly bring you blogs like this one to help our readers understand genetic testing and how it helps people obtain important information about their health. Today, we look at something known as Cascade Testing and who can benefit from it.
Cascade testing refers to the process that occurs when a genetic condition is discovered within the family, whereby other family members are informed and tested for the same condition. Many are not aware of having a genetic condition until its symptoms begin to affect their lives.
Which Diseases Can be Inherited
Parents can pass genetic disorders onto their children, even if they don't have the disorder themselves. As carriers, Mum and Dad can pass diseases onto their offspring - something that's aptly referred to as a hereditary disease. Hereditary diseases can also occur when neither parent is a carrier, and foetal malformations may arise as a consequence.