Genetic Conditions

A genetic condition is a health issue or a higher chance of having one that can happen due to changes in a person’s DNA. These changes (mutations) can be passed down from parents or can occur for the first time in a person.

There are thousands of known genetic conditions. This page focuses on the ones that significantly impact public health.

We highlight these conditions because they have met one of these two criteria:

1. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has recognized them as Tier 1 Genomic Applications, which means there is strong evidence that finding and treating them early can improve health outcomes.
   • More than 150,000 people in Washington are affected by the following Tier 1 conditions. Learn more by clicking the links below:
     • Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
     • Lynch Syndrome
     • Familial hypercholesterolemia
     • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
     • Hereditary Hemochromatosis
2. State laws support public awareness, provider and family education, and access to resources.
   • This applies to Down Syndrome. Learn more by clicking on the links below:
     • Down syndrome
     • RCW 43.70.738

Sharing information about these conditions helps us support families, providers, and public health partners access the screening tools and resources necessary to improve the health across Washington.