EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Your genes play a role in nearly all areas of your health. A gene is like an instruction manual for your body that tells your body how to function, develop and stay healthy. People have about 20,000 genes in their bodies.
"Many health conditions have a genetic link," says Breanna Mitchell, a genetic counselor at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. "Genetic testing can help you and your health care team understand if you have an increased risk for developing certain conditions that are present in your family. If you are at risk, you may be able to take preventive measures to decrease your risk or undergo genetic testing to clarify your risk."
Here are nine common questions about genetic testing:
