Genome Sequencing

According to Dr. Robert Klitzman in his article in the NY Times, DNA Testing is becoming a growing trend. Screening one's genome for a mutation(s) used to consume a large amount of money and only showed limited amounts of information. Now, a person's entire genome can be searched for a cringing sum of $5,000 (the cost was originally a whopping $1 billion). The personalized medicine initiative Barack Obama presented will undoubtedly require more and more genome sequencing. There are many patients today getting their genome searched for mutations so they can learn the risk they have of contracting with a certain disease or disorder, or if their children have that risk.

Sequencing the genome and using personalized medicine can potentially save many lives. Many doctors are already recommending DNA testing so they can give further advice to their patients. Some people are even getting the tests done for the fun of it;whereas others want to check their genome to rid themselves of fear of any risk of disorder.

I think DNA testing has the potential to eliminate or prevent incurable diseases. The testing itself cannot do much but give information, however the information is valuable and can give doctor; the right direction to look in for diagnosing their patients. Getting tested for the fun of it seems a little unnecessary if a person is already healthy and has no next of kin with a disorder or disease. However, for patients with life threatening disorders like cancer or a person who is in a family with a high risk of inheriting cancer (or any other hereditary disease) should undergo testing. It will provide them with piece of mine and possibly a cure with the aid of personalized medicine.

Additional Link: Medicine Just For You