By now most Americans have heard of the cheap genetic
testing available from companies like 23andme. For as little as $99 and about 5
mL of your saliva you can have a genetic profile with what part of the world
your ancestors came from, your risk of male pattern baldness, or even if cilantro
tastes soapy to you. What many people are interested in are the risk factors to
diseases that these tests can detect. Angelina Jolie, after discovering a
mutated BRCA1 gene, underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy for which she is
both being applauded and criticized for.
In addition to the likelihood of a false positive,
diagnostics cannot be reliable when dealing with a single parameter. The
identification of a single mutated gene does not guarantee cancer and in many
cases does not even accurately reflect risk. More information is not always a
good thing if it is left misunderstood or without context. Unfortunately the
results from these inexpensive genetic tests may become the next generation of
the "WebMD" diagnosis.
I agree. Genetic testing is a good thing only if one has the proper understanding of genetics and and basic statistics. Many people simply want definite answers and clear-cut solutions, which genetic testing does not usually provide. Individuals should do their own research in addition to seeking the advice of geneticists and other specialists.
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