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Woman smiling and holding a to-go coffee cup inside a café with a pastry display case in the background — Katie Estes took a no-cost genetic test through Catalyst, a program offered through Southern Research. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

From heart disease to cancer, many of Alabama’s biggest health challenges have one thing in common: the earlier you know your risk, the more options you have.

That’s the goal of the no-cost genetic testing program offered through Catalyst by Southern Research, which provides participants with useful insights about their health and potential risks.

We sat down with Catalyst team member Katie Estes to talk about why these results matter, and how this information can be used by healthcare providers to guide future care.

Identifying health risks can affect future decisions

Woman working on a laptop at a coffee shop with a to-go cup on the table beside her — Katie found out about a genetic anomaly + took steps to lead a healthier life. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

For Katie, curiosity was what first prompted her to take the test herself. Despite having no immediate health concerns, Katie wanted a deeper understanding of her health risks and the program itself.

After receiving her results, Katie learned she carried a pathogenic variant, which is associated with an increased risk for several cancers, including breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. The result surprised her because she wasn’t aware of a significant family history that would have led her to expect a cancer-related finding.

Her results provided an easy-to-understand clinical report, explaining her specific genetic attributes and what they could mean for her current and future health.

She scheduled appointments with both a genetic counselor through Catalyst, cost-free, and her OB-GYN to discuss next steps.

“I wanted to talk through, okay, I’m at higher risk for breast cancer—what does that mean? For me, it meant earlier mammograms and more frequent visits as I age. Those conversations can influence everything from screening schedules to family planning decisions way down the line.”
Katie Estes, Catalyst team member

The testing also provided valuable family-planning insights. Because Katie carries a rare genetic variant, she now knows a future partner should be tested to better understand any potential risks to their children.

What pharmacogenomic testing can tell you about your body

Woman smiling on an urban sidewalk lined with trees and storefronts — Genetic testing offered through Catalyst is the kind of precision medical care that typically comes with much higher costs and wait times. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Disease risk is only one piece of what Catalyst’s test results can show you. It also includes medication response information, or pharmacogenomics—how a person’s body processes certain medications, whether they metabolize drugs quickly or slowly and which treatments may be more or less effective for them.

For example, Katie learned that if she were ever prescribed a common blood thinner, her genetics suggest she may require a significantly different starting dose than many patients. The report can also point to alternative medications suited to your genetic makeup.

The implications can be especially meaningful for commonly prescribed medications, including cholesterol-lowering statins, behavioral health medications and pain management treatments. Rather than relying solely on trial and error, patients and physicians can use genetic information to make more informed decisions.

Because the test is clinically actionable, participants can bring their results directly to healthcare providers and incorporate them into their medical care.

Catalyst testing is free + accessible for all Alabamians

Catalyst Photos 08 Your DNA can reveal more about your health—what one Alabamian found out — Swab your mouth, send it back + get your genetic report in a matter of weeks. (Ben Johnson / Bham Now)

For Katie, another major advantage is accessibility. Traditional genetic testing often requires multiple doctor visits, specialist referrals and long wait times. Catalyst’s program allows participants to order a kit, swab their cheek at home, send it off and receive results in a matter of weeks.

“I think the healthcare system can be very slow. This is a way to get answers quickly.”

Cost can be another barrier—Katie noted that comparable testing can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket, putting it out of reach for many families.

Perhaps most importantly, Catalyst focuses on findings that can lead to real-world action. By providing results that can help inform healthcare decisions, Catalyst helps ensure participants receive information they can actually use—whether that’s adjusting screening schedules, discussing medication options with a doctor or making informed decisions about future healthcare.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more, register + get an easy, at-home test kit mailed to you.

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