A huge breakthrough in the research of cancer and the genes that causes it was made recently on August 6th. Researches discovered that a mutation in PALB2 gene was linked to increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. In this article Theodora Ross discusses the response amongst her patients after this discovery was made. She received countless emails requesting an entire genome scan to see if they carried this gene and were at risk of developing cancer. Being able to use ones genetic history may allow patients to see what they are at risk for, and take the necessary precautions to fight against it. A famous example many people have heard of is Angelina Jolie and the mastectomy she received to prevent herself from getting breast cancer as her family had a history of developing it. However what many people misunderstand is that scientists are still not completely aware of all the genes that may code for cancer and still have much to research. Instead, what scientists understand are how a few genes such as PALB, BRCA1, and BRCA2 may develop mutations that could lead to cancer. Therefore scientists search for these specific genes within patients to see if there are any mutations and therefore they can take precautions to prevent the onset of cancer.
As research and technology improves scientists might be able to determine a vast variety of serious illnesses and use genetic testing to prevent these from occurring. I believe this article displays how important the research of genetics is for our society. Not only can we prevent certain illnesses from even occurring, but we can also find ways to help people already afflicted with a life threatening malady.
No comments:
Post a Comment