Sanford Imagenetics Initiates New Genetic Screening Study

Sanford Health has launched ImagineYou, a new genetic screening research study through a partnership with Sanford Imagenetics and Helix, the leading precision health organization.  

The no cost population health research study provides genetic screening of conditions with an increased risk for certain cancers and heart disease. These genetic conditions, include:  

• Familial hypercholesterolemia (hereditary high cholesterol)

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes)

• Lynch Syndrome (hereditary colon cancer) 

Participants who show an increased risk for one of these conditions will be referred to genetic counseling for follow-up at no cost. In addition, participants can opt-in to learn about their regional ancestry and genetic traits through their Helix account.   

“ImagineYou is a unique genetic screening program that will help patients and their care teams identify potential factors that put them at risk for specific conditions later on in their lifetime,” said Dr. Jeremy Cauwels, chief medical officer at Sanford Health. “This gives patients an opportunity to learn more about their DNA and help them better understand their personal health risks to help them, along with their primary care provider, plan for a heathier future.” 

The information patients consent to contribute will be used confidentially by researchers to study how DNA may impact health, what may cause certain diseases and learn more about how to best treat them so people can live longer, healthier lives. All participants will receive updates on the research study and its impact. 

For more information and to learn how to enroll, visit imagenetics.sanfordhealth.org.