Questionable Genomic Screening

Sci Daily & Medicalxpress.  Many people carry genetic mutations that occur in very low frequencies among populations. These include cancers and blood disorders. In the March addition of Genetics in Medicine ,UNC School of Medicine researchers propose genetic screening for healthy people for early prevention. To me, this sounds like a money making scheme, but hey, I'm no expert. However, James Evans, MD states that uncovering the individuals with rare needs due to the possible development of a genetic disorder is beneficial to the community. He goes on to state that DNA sequencing is affordable and it can detect diseases like Lynch Syndrome, an inherited cancer of the digestive system that afflicts over 600,000 people. Early detection finds this disease 80 percent risk for preventable cancers. So pay the cool $200 for an approximate .2 percent chance of finding the disease.

RNAi or RNA interference is the tool used for analysis of gene function. First used on Drosophila and mammalian cultured cells. This method sheds light on signal transduction, cancer biology, and host cell responses to infection. There is already different genetic testing variations such as carrier identification, prenatal diagnosis, newborn screening, late-onset disorders, and identification. Genetic disease or susceptibility can have implications for employment and insurance. Therefore, handling this information is important in terms of privacy. Obtaining and documenting this information can have an impact on an individuals life, negative and potentially positive for roughly 2 percent of the population.