MGD

MGD is a CLIA certified lab based in NJ specialized in genetic testing.

11/24/2025

While leukemia isn’t usually considered a hereditary disease, some genetic conditions can increase risk. People with Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Fanconi anemia, or other inherited bone-marrow or immune disorders have cells that are more prone to DNA changes. These conditions don’t guarantee leukemia will happen, but they raise the likelihood. Families with a strong history of blood cancers may also need more regular checkups. Understanding these genetic links helps with early detection and better long-term monitoring.

11/22/2025

Leukemia often starts when DNA in bone-marrow cells becomes damaged, leading to abnormal blood cell growth. One major trigger is exposure to high levels of radiation, such as previous radiotherapy for another cancer or accidental radiation exposure. Certain chemotherapy drugs used in the past can also slightly increase the risk of developing leukemia years later. Another important factor is benzene, a chemical found in gasoline fumes, industrial factories, and even cigarette smoke. Long-term contact with these triggers can raise the chances of leukemia, which is why protective safety measures and avoiding smoke exposure are so important.

11/20/2025

Chronic inflammation in the colon is another major cause of colon cancer. People with long-term bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are more likely to develop abnormal cell growth. Over many years, inflammation damages the lining of the colon, leading to mutations that can progress to cancer. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are also linked to higher colon cancer risk. Managing these conditions through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes — along with regular colonoscopies — helps protect colon health and prevent cancer.

11/17/2025

Having a family history of colon cancer significantly raises your personal risk, especially if a close relative was diagnosed before age 50. Some people inherit genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which cause abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon that can turn cancerous over time. If colon cancer runs in your family, genetic counseling and early screening — sometimes starting as young as 20–25 — are vital. Detecting and removing precancerous polyps early can prevent the disease altogether.

11/15/2025

What you eat and how you live play a major role in colon cancer risk. Diets high in red and processed meats — like sausages, bacon, and deli meats — are linked to DNA damage in colon cells. At the same time, low intake of fiber, fruits, and vegetables slows digestion and increases contact time between toxins and the intestinal lining. Obesity, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption also raise risk by increasing inflammation and hormone imbalances in the body. On the other hand, regular physical activity, a diet rich in fiber, and maintaining a healthy weight can dramatically reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

11/13/2025

About 10% of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to genetics. Inherited mutations — such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or Lynch syndrome — can impair DNA repair and lead to abnormal cell growth in the pancreas. Having multiple close family members with pancreatic cancer increases personal risk significantly. Individuals with hereditary risk factors should consider genetic counseling and regular medical follow-up. Knowing your family history allows earlier detection and empowers proactive prevention.

11/10/2025

Long-term inflammation of the pancreas — known as chronic pancreatitis — increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. It can develop due to repeated pancreatitis attacks, gallstones, heavy alcohol use, smoking, or genetic disorders. People with type 2 diabetes or obesity are also at higher risk, as these conditions cause insulin-related metabolic changes that stress pancreatic cells. Managing chronic pancreatitis, controlling blood sugar, maintaining healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake help protect the pancreas and reduce long-term cancer risk.

11/08/2025

Smoking is one of the strongest known risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Chemicals from ci******es enter the bloodstream and reach the pancreas, causing DNA damage and inflammation that can lead to cancer over time. Smokers are 2–3 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers, and even exposure to second-hand smoke increases risk. The good news? Risk starts to drop soon after quitting and continues to decrease over the years. Protecting your lungs also protects your pancreas — quitting smoking is one of the most powerful prevention steps you can take.

11/06/2025

Everyday habits have a powerful impact on breast cancer risk. Alcohol raises estrogen levels and damages breast cell DNA; even small amounts can increase risk over time. Smoking contributes to DNA mutations and is especially harmful before menopause. Obesity and physical inactivity promote inflammation and hormone imbalance, both of which feed cancer cell growth. In addition, exposure to radiation (especially at a young age) or endocrine-disrupting chemicals — found in some plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides — may also contribute to risk. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, staying active, and limiting alcohol are among the most effective ways to protect yourself.

11/03/2025

About 5–10% of breast cancer cases are linked to inherited genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 genes. These mutations impair the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, allowing abnormal cells to grow unchecked. Women with a strong family history — like a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed before age 50 — face a higher lifetime risk. Men can also carry and pass on these mutations. Genetic counseling and testing can help identify carriers and guide preventive steps such as earlier screening, MRI monitoring, or even risk-reducing medication. Knowing your family history empowers you to detect problems early — when treatment is most effective.

11/01/2025

Hormones — especially estrogen and progesterone — play a key role in breast cancer development. Estrogen stimulates breast cell growth, and long-term exposure increases the chance of DNA damage. Women who start menstruating before age 12, reach menopause after 55, or use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for extended periods have higher risk. Having the first pregnancy after 30 or never becoming pregnant also leaves the body exposed to natural hormones for longer. After menopause, fat tissue becomes the main source of estrogen, so excess body fat can further raise hormone levels. Managing weight, staying active, and avoiding unnecessary hormone therapy can help lower this hormonal influence.

10/30/2025

While many cancers are linked to lifestyle or environment, some stem from inherited genetic mutations that disrupt cell repair or growth control. For instance, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while Lynch syndrome raises the risk of colon and uterine cancers. But genes alone don’t determine destiny — they interact with lifestyle and environmental triggers. Certain infections can also lead to cancer; for example, HPV causes cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C raise the risk of liver cancer. Chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, such as excess estrogen exposure, further encourage cancer cell growth. Knowing your family history, getting vaccinated (like HPV and hepatitis vaccines), and having regular screenings can greatly improve early detection and prevention.

Address

807 N. Haddon Avenue, STE 102
Haddonfield, NJ
08033

Telephone

+18625058034

Website

http://www.mgd-lab.com/

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