Samantha Arceneaux’s daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2021, which led to her and husband getting genetic testing to help better understand their daughter’s diagnosis. She had no idea this genetic test would not only change her life, but possibly save it. The test revealed she carries a genetic variant that virtually guarantees she will develop an aggressive form of thyroid cancer at some point in her life.
“As soon as something starts developing, they'll know to remove my thyroid while it's still very early and before it ever gets to stage 4,” Arceneaux told Florida Trend magazine. “It was definitely eye opening to know I have this cancer risk, because there was no family history.”
Arceneaux’s story is a good example of how genetic testing can be used for prevention and treatment of cancer.
“Probably in the next 10 to 15 years, it’ll become standard for all newborns,” said Dr. Wes Walker, director of genomics and personalized health at AdventHealth Central Florida Division, during a recent Florida Trend interview.
As a result of Samantha’s test, “We’re able to target that specific molecular abnormality with a specific medication,” Walker says. “It's treating it with a laser as opposed to a hammer, which can cause lots of collateral damage. The laser is much more precise.”
Learn more about Samantha’s story and other ways genetic testing is being used at AdventHealth.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
Media Coverage
Pairs of checkered shoes are making waves at a Wesley Chapel hospital
When a doctor steps into the room with a patient, it’s often right to business. But Dr. Jayson Sack at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has found a way to connect on a more friend-like level.
News
From Fort Lauderdale to Tavares for a groundbreaking heart surgery
AdventHealth Waterman achieves milestone in robotic cardiac surgery.
Video
From Fort Lauderdale to Tavares for a groundbreaking heart surgery
AdventHealth Waterman achieves milestone in robotic cardiac surgery with the da Vinci robot. The procedure, called a bilateral internal mammary artery minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass...
News
Derek Shawgo awarded DAISY Award
AdventHealth Gordon is proud to announce that Derek Shawgo, RN, has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
News
Lake Mary Little League® launches AdventHealth partnership to support summer All-Star teams
Lake Mary Little League®, home of the 2024 Little League® World Series Champions, is proud to announce a new partnership with AdventHealth.
Media Coverage
Investing in care, building for today and tomorrow
AdventHealth In Daytona Beach and Palm Coast are expanding with care as their communities grow.
News
AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region hospitals honored for excellence in stroke care
Every year, the American Heart Association recognizes programs that perform exceptionally in the area of stroke. We are proud to announce AdventHealth Avista, AdventHealth Littleton, AdventHealth...
News
AdventHealth Castle Rock celebrates ribbon cutting for Pittman Pathway Wellness Trail
Following AdventHealth’s mission to help team members, guests and patients Feel Whole, AdventHealth Castle Rock officially opened the Pittman Pathway Wellness Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Media Coverage
How to keep your feet healthy and safe in the summer
Dr. Matthew Villani, a foot and ankle surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group located at AdventHealth Waterman, addresses foot and ankle injuries.
News
One year, 20,000 lives; AdventHealth Millenia ER celebrates major milestone
AdventHealth Millenia ER is celebrating its first anniversary of providing lifesaving, whole-person care to residents and visitors in West Orlando.
Press Release
AdventHealth South Overland Park Selects Anesthesia Associates of Kansas City as Partners for Anesthesia Coverage
News
Hospital rolls out life-saving treatment for stroke patients
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale now offers life-saving stroke care with a new minimally invasive procedure, improving survival rates and quality of life.