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.

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 (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM)
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia (LDLR, LDLRAP1, PCSK9, APOB)

Your sample will be securely stored after analysis, and results will be delivered via a secure online portal. If your results indicate risks, you’ll receive free genetic counseling, though follow-up care costs may apply.

Participants will 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 Efforts

In Our DNA SC values diversity and encourages participation of all individuals in South Carolina. We recognize that lack of transparency and inappropriate use of data have caused mistrust among many communities about research. In Our DNA SC has taken steps to ensure transparency, data security, and partnership for our work. Our project is guided by a set of principles:

• Inclusivity. We invite individuals from all backgrounds to participate in In Our DNA SC and seek to ensure those who participate are representative of South Carolina’s diverse population. Participant diversity is critical to the success of the project so that new research discoveries reflect the population.
• Transparency. Participants have access to their information and are notified about how their data are used to advance research and precision medicine.
• 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.
• Impact. Participation in In Our DNA SC aims to empower individuals to become more informed about their health. New research insights will enable more personalized health care for all.
• Partnership. We seek to partner with participants and are open to feedback and learning. We will communicate new discoveries. In Our DNA SC is committed to listening to our community, answering questions, and working together to provide personalized health care for all.

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.