Discover why 23andMe is the best DNA test for people with African ancestry

Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic condition that can cause anemia, pain crises, and frequent infections. It occurs when a person inherits two copies of a genetic variant called HbS.

About 1 in 13 African Americans is a carrier for sickle cell anemia (sometimes called having sickle cell trait).

Beta Thalassemia and Related Hemoglobinopathies are genetic conditions that can cause anemia, fatigue, and bone and organ problems. These conditions occur when a person inherits two variants in the HBB gene.

At least 1 in 50 African Americans is a carrier for beta thalassemia or a related blood disorder.

G6PD Deficiency is a common genetic condition that can lead to episodes of anemia, fatigue, and jaundice when certain environmental triggers cause red blood cells to break down.

About 1 in 10 African American men have G6PD deficiency. (Because of how it's inherited, the condition is more common in males than females.)

White Blood Cell Count (Duffy Antigen-Related) tests for a genetic variant that can lead to naturally lower white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Nearly 70% of Black and African Americans have two copies of this variant, a trait called Duffy null status. For these individuals, knowing their Duffy status can help explain why their WBC counts might be lower than most reference ranges — even when they're perfectly healthy — so their doctor doesn't mistake it for a sign of illness.

Hereditary Amyloidosis (TTR-Related) is a genetic condition in which a protein called TTR builds up in organs and tissues like the heart and nerves, causing damage over time.

About 3-4% of African Americans have a specific TTR variant called V122I, which can increase the risk for cardiomyopathy (heart damage).

Coronary Artery Disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow.

In the U.S., Black and African Americans face a higher risk of coronary artery disease, tend to develop it earlier, and are more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans.

High Blood Pressure , also called hypertension, is when the blood puts too much pressure on the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Black and African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure than people of other ancestries.

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where sugar builds up in the blood, which can lead to complications like heart disease and stroke.

About 40% of people in the U.S. are expected to develop type 2 diabetes during their lifetime, but Black and African American individuals have a higher risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease (APOL1-Related) occurs when the kidneys stop working properly over time, causing fluid and waste to build up in the body. This can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and bone problems.

About 13% of African Americans have two variants in the APOL1 gene, which increases their risk for chronic kidney disease. These variants help explain why African Americans are three times as likely to develop kidney failure compared to white Americans.

Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, impacting about 1 in 8 women during their lifetime.

In the U.S., Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. They're also more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer, which is more aggressive, more difficult to treat, and tends to develop at earlier ages.

BRCA1/BRCA2 variants are associated with an increased risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.

Black and African Americans are less likely to receive BRCA1/2 genetic testing than white Americans. The variants in the 23andMe BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) report account for about 30-40% of cancer-related BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants in African Americans.

Prostate Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, impacting about 1 in 8 men during their lifetime.

In the U.S., Black and African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, be diagnosed at younger ages, face more aggressive disease, and experience delays in treatment. They’re also twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to men of other ancestries.

Gestational Diabetes is a form of diabetes that starts during pregnancy.

Black and African Americans are at least 1.5 times more likely to progress from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes.

Uterine Fibroids are a relatively common type of non-cancerous growth in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain.

Black and African Americans have a higher chance of developing uterine fibroids, and they tend to experience an earlier onset and more severe symptoms.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure that can sometimes lead to organ damage.

Preeclampsia affects about 4% of pregnancies in the U.S. Black and African Americans have an increased risk of developing the condition and are three times more likely to die from it.

Alzheimer’s Disease causes memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes, with the most common form (called late-onset) developing after age 65.

About 1 in 10 Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. African American and Hispanic individuals develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease at higher rates than people of European or Asian descent.

Parkinson’s Disease causes tremor, muscle stiffness, and movement difficulties.

About 1–2% of people will develop Parkinson’s during their lifetime, and Black and African American people are often diagnosed at a later stage than white people. 23andMe is participating in efforts to identify Parkinson’s risk variants for people with African ancestry.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can impact many organs in the body.

In the U.S., lupus is more common, often more severe, and tends to appear at younger ages in Black and African Americans.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing, often triggered by specific environmental or health factors.

African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Indigenous Americans are more likely to experience asthma.

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which high eye pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss over time.

In the U.S., Black and African Americans are about five times more likely to develop glaucoma, six times more likely to go blind from it, and develop it about 10 years earlier than people of other ancestries.

We compare your DNA to reference populations representing diverse African communities. Our database includes samples from people who trace their ancestry to specific regions and ethnic groups across Africa. We use advanced algorithms to identify which groups you share DNA with and provide matches with statistical confidence.

Yes. All 23andMe health services include Carrier Status reports for Sickle Cell Anemia and for Beta Thalassemia and Related Hemoglobinopathies (blood disorders). Knowing your carrier status can help you make informed decisions about family planning and understand your risk of passing the condition to your children.

Your privacy is our top priority. We employ software, hardware, and physical security measures to protect your data and exceed industry standards with 3 ISO certifications. You control whether your data is used for research, and we never sell your information without your explicit consent. You can download or delete your data at any time.

Yes. You can download your results and share them with your healthcare provider. We recommend discussing your results with a healthcare professional, especially if you have an "increased risk" or "variant detected" result.

Once your sample arrives at our lab, you can typically expect your results in 3-5 weeks. You'll receive an email notification when your reports are ready to view in your private 23andMe account.

23andMe genetic testing is generally not covered by insurance as it is a direct-to-consumer service. However, some employers offer discounts or reimbursement programs. You may also be able to use HSA/FSA funds depending on your plan. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.