Pros And Cons Of Genetic Testing For Diseases

530 Words3 Pages
The pros and cons of genetically testing for diseases. Pros of genetically testing for diseases: 1. The ability to obtain personal genetic information quickly and privately without a prescription. The information can include disease predisposition and carrier status. 2. This ability to make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, based on the testing results. 3. Access to interesting information about ancestry. Some DTC companies offer testing services that will determine the presence and percentage of ethnic, geographic and even Neanderthal DNA. . The relative affordability of DTC testing compared to other forms of genetic testing. Many companies offer services for a few hundred dollars. Cons of genetically testing for diseases: · An overestimation of the role genetics plays in disease. The amount that genetics…show more content…
Participants must relay on emails and information on a website to understand their disease risk versus the average population risk. Also, the disease risk presented by DTC companies does not include a timeframe. For some diseases the risk remains low until later in life and then goes up incrementally with age * Confusion over the methodology. Not all genetic testing is “created equal”. Genetic tests for diseases that are caused by a known single gene defect can predict with more certainty (sometimes 100%) whether or not an individual will be affected by a disease or is a carrier. Often association studies (GWAS) are employed for diseases in which multiple genes contribute, or no specific gene has been identified. The results from GWAS do not have the same degree of certainty as traditional genetic tests. * A lack of monitoring of the psychological and emotional status of the participant. Some DTC companies offer genetics tests for life-alternating, and even terminal, conditions. Participants may feel a wide range of emotions including anger, depression and guilt after receiving difficult

More about Pros And Cons Of Genetic Testing For Diseases

Open Document