12,000 and Counting: Cone Health’s GeneConnect Program Reaches Milestone in Preventive Testing
What a Graham woman learned changed everything—and may have saved her life.
Greensboro — A genetic screening test can be a powerful tool for understanding your inherited risk of developing certain diseases. This knowledge can lead to early detection and even prevention.
More than 12,000 people have enrolled in Cone Health’s GeneConnect research program — including Tanya Gozick-Broome. Her screening test revealed she carries a BRCA2 gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
“I kinda freaked out and I cried a lot,” Broome admits. But it wasn’t long before she set aside the tissues and decided to take advantage of this newfound knowledge.
Tanya Broome
After consulting with a genetic specialist, as well as oncologists at Alamance Regional Medical Center, Broome decided to undergo a hysterectomy and double mastectomy. “I would have never forgiven myself if I did nothing and developed cancer,” added the mother of four.
GeneConnect is a community health research initiative offering no-cost genetic screening to eligible adults. Participants receive confidential results about their inherited risk for several serious health conditions, including:
● Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations)
● Lynch syndrome, which increases the risk of colorectal and other cancers
● Familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that can lead to early heart disease
Dr. Chad Haldeman-Englert, clinical geneticist and medical director of the Cone Health Precision Health department, emphasized the importance of early detection. “It’s a no-cost genetic screening designed to identify changes in individuals who may not even realize they’re at risk,” said Dr. Haldeman-Englert. “The goal is to catch these risks early — before they become health crises — and give people the chance to act.”
Broome took that chance and now views her experience as empowering. “We can do this. We can live longer,” she said.
Most situations are not as dramatic as Broome’s. Fewer than 2% of people who are screened have a genetic marker for disease. Those who do receive a positive result are usually advised to have preventative health screenings more often or pay more attention to diet and exercise.
GeneConnect is part of Cone Health’s broader effort to integrate precision medicine into everyday care. Participants who receive concerning results are offered no-cost consultations with genetic counselors to understand their options and next steps.
A GeneConnect event is coming to Cone Health MedCenter Mebane on March 16. For more information or to see if you’re eligible, visit conehealth.com/geneconnect.
