#339 Inherited Leukemia: Exploring Genetic Risk and Early Detection

A week ago on DNA Day, April 25th, I launched a brand new science podcast network called Gene Pool Media. The response has been amazing, so thank you to everyone who has been supportive, especially the podcasts that have joined the network including…

• RealPharma
• Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD
• DNA Dialogues
• It Happened To Me
• #ThroughTheGenes
• Demystifying Genetics
• PhenoTips Speaker Series 
• All Access DNA
• Two brand new shows debuting this year: one in the rare disease space and another exploring the intersection of health science, religion, and spirituality. 

And All Access DNA, which you are about to hear one of their recent episodes. I figured that would be a perfect way to celebrate the launch of Gene Pool Media. 

 

Over the years we have shared episodes of DNA Dialogues, It Happened To Me and PhenoTips Speaker Series. And we had the hosts of #ThroughTheGenes and Demystifying Genetics on the show. And I’ve been a guest on RealPharma. So these are all podcasts that were already in our circle, it’s just more official now! 

 

If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email me directly at kira@genepoolmedia.com. 

 

In this episode drop of All Access DNA you will hear from genetic counselor Sarah Bannon, who discusses the complexities of inherited blood cancers, particularly leukemia. The host of All Access DNA is Kate Wilson; who will sound familiar as she is a co-host on the journal of genetic counseling’s podcast, DNA Dialogues and a podcast from the National Society of Genetic Counselors. 

 

In this conversation, Sarah Bannon discusses the complexities of inherited blood cancers, particularly leukemia, and the evolving role of genetic counseling in understanding and managing these conditions. She highlights the historical context of genetic research in blood cancers, the importance of family history in assessing risk, and the advancements in genetic testing that have led to better identification of hereditary cancer syndromes. The conversation also covers the implications of genetic testing results for patients and their families, the challenges faced in the field, and the rewarding aspects of working in this emerging area of genetic counseling.

 

On This Episode We Discuss:

• What inherited blood cancers are and how they may run in families
• There are many known genes linked to hereditary blood cancers
• How genetic testing can help monitor family members for early signs of cancer.
• The role of clinical trials to explore preventative treatments for those at risk.

 

Sarah is a genetic counselor with over 14 years of experience in cancer genetics, specifically leukemia and lymphoma. She is a widely sought expert on hereditary predispositions to hematologic malignancy, which has been the focus of her clinical care and research. Sarah works as a genetic counselor at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

 

Here are more resources related to today’s topic, blood and bone marrow cancers:

• National Marrow Donor Program and Be The Match
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Clinicaltrials.gov tracks all clinical trials available in the US
• Team Telomere - A Community for Telomere Biology Disorders
• RUNX1 Research Program
• Findageneticcounselor.org to find a genetic counselor near you

 

Any inquiries for All Access DNA podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com. Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health. The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. 

Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 

While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”

Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 

See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.