In Our DNA SC

In Our DNA SC is a community health research project launched by MUSC. The project will look at how your DNA affects your health. It may also help improve access to personalized health care and support new research discoveries for our community.

Enrolling Now!

In Our DNA SC aims to enroll 100,000 participants in genetic screening at no cost to you. You will receive confidential results about your genetic risk for certain cancers and heart disease. The project will also develop a secure and privacy-protected genetic and research database. Over time, the information in this database will help researchers learn what may cause certain diseases, how to treat them more effectively and help improve the standard of health care for all.

MUSC has teamed up with Helix, a leading population genomics company, to deliver powerful genetic information to you for proactive health care planning.    

How Can I Participate with In Our DNA SC?

Anyone 18 years and older with no history of allogeneic bone marrow and/or stem cell transplants is eligible to join In Our DNA SC at no cost to you!

1. Click “Sign Up Now” to access and sign the consent form and log in with your MUSC MyChart credentials. Read the consent form carefully, answer the required questions, and sign electronically.
2. Provide a Saliva Sample: Your saliva sample will be sent back to our partners at Helix for analysis (no blood required). The full list of collection locations can be found on the Where to Provide a Sample page.

What to expect?

Once enrolled, participants will receive genetic health screening for risks of:

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2)
• Lynch Syndrome, also known as Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM)
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia, also known as Genetic High Cholesterol (LDLR, LDLRAP1, PCSK9, APOB)

Your results will be delivered to your electronic medical record and also available in your optional Helix account. If your results indicate increased risk, you will be offered a no cost genetic counseling appointment. Any additional clinical follow up will not be covered by the study.

Participants may also learn about their genetic ancestry to discover where their ancestors lived, and explore how their genes influence traits like caffeine sensitivity and sleep patterns.

In Our DNA SC: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commintments

In Our DNA SC is dedicated to advancing equitable health research by prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and trust. We recognize the historical mistrust in research caused by past injustices and aim to address health disparities through meaningful community engagement and actionable insights.

Our principles:

• Data Security: We respect privacy and security of participant information. Information is stored in secure databases, we limit and closely monitor who can access data, and participants can choose to withdraw and stop sharing information at any time.
• Health Equity Impact: By offering no-cost genetic screenings, we aim to empower individuals and address disparities in conditions like cancer and heart disease.
• Inclusivity: We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring our research reflects South Carolina's diverse populations.
• Partnership: We collaborate with trusted community organizations and leaders to ensure our efforts are culturally relevant and impactful.
• Transparency: Participants have access to their results and are notified about its use to advance precision medicine.

By expanding representation in genomic research, In Our DNA SC is building a healthier, more equitable future for all South Carolinians for generations to come.

Learn More Now

Ready to learn more? Have questions? Contact the In Our DNA SC study team by emailing us or calling 843-876-0582.