Did you know that
genetic testing can identify many genes responsible for disease? Tests are not available for genes that
cause or contribute to Alzheimer’s; osteoporosis; Huntington’s disease; and breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, as well as many other less common conditions.
Would you want to know if you were going to inherit a deadly disease? According to a survey, 49 percent of the people polled would want to be tested, while 51 percent would not. What are the benefits of
genetic testing? Some tests, like the one for Huntington’s disease, can tell you for sure if you will get the disease. Most tests, however, can only tell you if you are more likely to get the disease than the most people. If you can take steps to reduce your risk, this information may be life-saving, but for some people, the stress of knowing they are likely to get a serious disease can do more harm than good.
Another factor to consider before having genetic testing is how it might affect your health insurance. Would your rates go up if your insurance company becomes aware that you are at risk for a particular disease?
Genetic testing for healthy people is very controversial. If scientists learn how to safely alter dangerous genes, genetic testing may become a routine exam done at birth. Until then, the decision to test or not to test is up to you.