Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we help to light the path for those navigating hereditary cancer risks with empowerment and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a cancer previvor and your guide through the world of genetics and proactive well-being from the patient perspective. Join us as we simplify the complexities, providing insights that empower you to confidently face challenges. Through engaging discussions, we’ll bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday life of a cancer previvor or survivor. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of genetic awareness and join a community that embraces positivity through knowledge. Subscribe now for a dose of empowerment in every episode.
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Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we help to light the path for those navigating hereditary cancer risks with empowerment and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a cancer previvor and your guide through the world of genetics and proactive well-being from the patient perspective. Join us as we simplify the complexities, providing insights that empower you to confidently face challenges. Through engaging discussions, we’ll bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday life of a cancer previvor or survivor. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of genetic awareness and join a community that embraces positivity through knowledge. Subscribe now for a dose of empowerment in every episode.
What We're Not Saying: Hereditary Cancer, Prevention and Public Health with Genetic Counselor, Jennifer Thompson
The Positive Gene Podcast
40 minutes
6 days ago
What We're Not Saying: Hereditary Cancer, Prevention and Public Health with Genetic Counselor, Jennifer Thompson
Episode Summary
In today’s conversation, we dig into the part of cancer conversations that rarely makes headlines - hereditary cancer risk, prevention, and the systemic barriers that keep people from getting the care they need.
My guest, Jennifer Thompson, MS, CGC is a board-certified genetic counselor and founder of HealthyGene, a digital genetic counseling clinic designed to remove barriers to hereditary cancer risk assessment. She specializes in cancer genetics, patient advocacy, and improving early access to testing through education and telehealth.
Together, we unpack:
Why media coverage around public figures’ diagnoses often misses the prevention angle
Why genetic testing isn’t being offered early enough and the very real consequences
The Angelina Jolie Effect vs. modern missed opportunities
How legislative policies are threatening research, Medicaid access, and public health
How people and providers can start earlier, clearer conversations
What real self-advocacy looks like
How to navigate family conversations about genetic risk
The difference between clinical genetic testing and direct-to-consumer kits
Why understanding your family history still matters most
Resources Mentioned
HealthyGene Website: https://myhealthygene.com
Know Your Risk Quiz (free assessment for BRCA & Lynch): available on the HealthyGene homepage: https://www.myhealthygene.com/know-your-risk-quiz
Jennifer's Blog: President Biden's Diagnosis: https://www.myhealthygene.com/post/biden-prostate-cancer-brca-risk
Find a Genetic Counselor: https://findageneticcounselor.com
Listen + Connect
Podcast blog + extended show notes: www.positivegenepodcast.com
Connect with Jennifer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhealthygene
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthygene/
Connect with Sara/Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivegenepodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakavanaughspeaks/
Website: www.sarakavanaugh.com
If you’ve ever felt like the conversation about cancer stops with treatment instead of starting with prevention, this episode is your reminder:
Knowledge is power.
It’s never too early to ask questions, learn your family history, and take steps to protect yourself and the people you love.
The Positive Gene Podcast
Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we help to light the path for those navigating hereditary cancer risks with empowerment and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a cancer previvor and your guide through the world of genetics and proactive well-being from the patient perspective. Join us as we simplify the complexities, providing insights that empower you to confidently face challenges. Through engaging discussions, we’ll bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday life of a cancer previvor or survivor. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of genetic awareness and join a community that embraces positivity through knowledge. Subscribe now for a dose of empowerment in every episode.
