Whole-Genome Testing of IVF Embryos Spots Conditions Standard Screens Can’t Detect

11.8.2025

Key Takeaways

• Whole genome sequencing for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-G) of embryos can help with IVF decisions
• PGT-G was more than 99% accurate and identified clinically relevant genetic disease variants in 20% of embryos that standard testing misses
• PGT-G may enhance IVF success rates
• Findings presented this week at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 44th Annual Conference

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AI, Educational Tools Helpful for Basics, But Can’t Replace Genetic Counselors, Patients Say

11.8.2025

Key Takeaways

• 80%-90% of patients say artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots and online educational tools cannot replace genetic counselors
• The tools can be a helpful supplement but don’t provide the tailored guidance of a genetic counselor
• Findings presented this week at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 44th Annual Conference

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Many People – Especially Women – Wait Years for Genetic Testing After Cancer Diagnosis May Delay Access to Effective Therapies

11.7.2025

Key Takeaways

• Cancer patients may wait several years after diagnosis to have genetic testing
• Delays in testing can cost patients access to targeted treatments and screening for future cancers
• Average testing delays ranged from less than a year for pancreatic cancer to more than three years for endometrial cancer, and were longer in women
• Findings presented this week at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 44th Annual Conference

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Population Genetic Screening Finds Hidden Risks for Cancer and Heart Disease

11.7.2025

Key Takeaways

• eMERGE, a National Institutes of Health-funded study of nearly 20,000 adults, demonstrates the power of genomics to uncover health risks in those with no personal history via population-wide genetic screening
• One in 40 adults learned they carry a genetic variant linked to cancer or heart disease, most for the first time
• Identifying people at high risk enables earlier screening and prevention strategies
• Findings presented this week at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 44^th Annual Conference

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Access to Genetic Testing for Inherited Heart Disease Significantly Improved Via Alternative Telemedicine Model, Study Shows

9.20.2024

NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 20, 2024 – People at risk for inherited heart diseases can see a genetic counselor much more quickly through a third-party telemedicine model, suggests research being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 43rd Annual Conference.

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Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship Award Will Support Proposed Toolkit Aimed at Helping Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals Understand their Risk of Breast/Chest Cancer Healthcare Options

9.18.2024

NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 18, 2024 – Transgender and gender-diverse individuals who are considering masculinizing top surgery may not realize they could still be at risk for breast/chest cancer after surgery. A proposed first-of-its-kind toolkit would address that gap and help them and their providers make informed healthcare decisions about genetic testing, surgery and screening, according to a new project being previewed at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 43rd Annual Conference.

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NSGC ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS BRIEFS

9.18.2024

NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 18, 2024—Expanded genetic testing can help people learn of additional genetic cancer risks, and the Dobbs decision on abortion rights may not have had the intended effect. These are among the findings being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 43rd Annual Conference.

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Women with Mutations in Low-Moderate Breast Cancer Genes May Benefit from Earlier Breast Cancer Screening

9.18.2024

NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 18, 2024 – Women with cancer-risk mutations in BARD1, RAD51C and RAD51D could consider getting annual breast cancer screening earlier than the recommended age of 40, suggests research being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 43rd Annual Conference.

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One in Nine People Who Have Carrier Screening Before Having Children Learn about Their Own Health Risks, Study Shows

10.20.2023

CHICAGO – Oct. 20, 2023 – People undergo genetic testing to determine if they may pass a genetic condition to their future children. In doing so, one in nine may also learn they have a gene that raises their own risk for a health issue, such as increased risk for cancer or an inflammatory disease, suggests research being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 42nd Annual Conference.

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Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship Winner Studying Use of Video to Extend Genetic Counseling Services to Hospitalized Patients

10.20.2023

CHICAGO – Oct. 20, 2023 – While many hospitalized patients would benefit from genetic counseling, there aren’t enough genetic counselors to provide pre- and post-testing guidance. New research being previewed at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 42nd Annual Conference will assess whether that shortage can be addressed by having patients watch pre-test genetic counseling videos that help them decide whether to move forward with genetic testing.

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