Everyone’s body has seven to 10 nonworking/altered genes, she notes, so family and clinical history must dictate when and where to focus attention (and avoid unnecessary anxiety). This BiologyWise article focuses on the many pros and cons of this advanced technique. While the latter is more precise, it also entails some risk to the baby. “Certain genes are associated with more severe diseases,” Aatre says. This is called genetic ancestry testing. Conversely, genetic testing may compel a mother to terminate the pregnancy, causing tension within a family or a community. The results, after all, might not be what patients want to hear — especially because they could reveal an inherited mutation that puts themselves or their kids at risk. Genetic testing can predict the risk of disease or illness, which can be an asset to patients and their caregivers; yet, it can also be misused. A positive result from cancer genetic testing doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop cancer but can weigh heavily on your mind or the minds of your loved ones. Learning that you have a higher risk than others for a health problem is stressful. The pros and cons of genetic testing for breast cancer are good to consider. A Michigan Medicine genetic counselor explains the process. While there are benefits to genetic testing, it’s important to keep in mind that there are also limitations. Such testing  provides a precise indication of a person’s ethnic composition; e.g., it can tell you that you’re 50% Irish, 20% German, etc. For example, the field known as pharmacogenetics helps doctors evaluate a patient’s DNA to assess which medication or clinical intervention will have the greatest effect and the lowest risk. As of 2019, more than 26 million people had taken home ancestry tests, according to a report from MIT Technology Review. Many cancer patients wish they would have done genetic testing so they could have prevented the cancer treatment they have had to endure. Still, says Aatre: “This crystal ball, all of a sudden, can pop in front of you.” That may spark deep feelings of guilt (regardless of findings) or difficult decisions. But put into practice, genetic testing is more nuanced. Newborns with genetic disorders can receive early treatment to correct the genes. Here are the advantages of seeking genetic testing: If you have a family member with a confirmed abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and your test result is negative, your genetic counselor may be able to tell you with greater certainty that you have the same relatively low risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer as people in the general population. More specifically, this testing examines DNA variations to provide indications of where a person’s ancestors came from and how different family lines intermingled in past generations. It is an effective tool to diagnose everything, from risks of cancer to genetic abnormalities in the newborn. Pregnant women may have their baby’s DNA analyzed for abnormalities, allowing for early detection of conditions such as Down Syndrome. This prompted her to see her doctor, who spotted a small indication of cancer and immediately started treatment. From simple applications like commercial genetic origin testing to determining risk factors and the probability of diseases for unborn babies, the breadth of uses is very wide, and here are some pros and cons of genetic testing, on the whole. Results of genetic testing can often be uninformative and ultimately can cause more stress and anxiety over the possibility of a disease you may never get. probability of an illness, is through genetic testing. Michigan Medicine genetic counselor Rajani Aatre M.S., M.Sc., right, and her colleagues. “The kind of tests we have today weren’t even possible 20 years ago.”. Pros and cons . In recent years, the field of genetic testing has risen in both prominence and popularity. Reference this Share this: Facebook Twitter Reddit LinkedIn WhatsApp Genetic Testing Research In a rapidly evolving society, genetic testing is one of … Through advances in research, science and medical technology, physicians now offer robust genetic screenings to their patients. For example, the National Human Genome Research Institute has invested heavily in projects that allow the results of genetic testing to be included in electronic health records (EHRs), so that they can be more widely available in clinical research programs. Ethical concerns fall along several lines. NOTICE: Except where otherwise noted, all articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Read on to know more in detail about genetic testing. It isn’t a full-body review: Testing is targeted: “When someone walks in my door, I’m not going to screen them for everything on the planet,” Aatre says. “Most people, once they’ve understood that, want to do it,” says Aatre, Genetic testing results will appear on your medical record. Genetic testing, when appropriate, is a powerful tool to gauge a patient’s risk for disease. One is that it may impede on individual personal freedom. Today’s genetic tests are targeting the coding component of the genes that are relevant to specific diseases. MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Before getting into the pros and cons of genetic testing, it may be helpful to explain exactly what genetic testing is and how it is applied. Your Genetic Testing Options.”, Science News Daily, “Multi-gene Test Predicts Early Heart Disease Risk.”, American Cancer Society, “Should You Get Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk?”, more than 26 million people had taken home ancestry tests, How Stuff Works, “How to Use DNA Testing for, National Human Genome Research Institute, “Agriculture.”, United States Department of Agriculture, “Biotechnology FAQs.”, Referral MD, “8 Ways Health Informatics is Transforming Health Care.”, Genetics Home Reference, “What are the Benefits of Genetic Testing?”, National Human Genome Research Institute, “Genetics, Disease Prevention and Treatment FAQ.”, instances of people connecting with biological half-siblings, , “Why You Should Dig Up Your Family’s History—And How to Do It.”, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, “Best Practices for Connecting with Family via DNA Research.”, Your Genome, “What is Selective Breeding?”, some communities require couples to undergo certain kinds of genetic testing, , “Consumer DNA Testing Is Crossing into Unethical Territories.”, Technology Networks, “Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Testing.”, there is not yet research to confirm these risks, Genetics Home Reference, “What are the Risks and Limitations of Genetic Testing?”, Frontiers in Public Health, “Genetic Testing between Private and Public Interests: Some Legal and Ethical Reflections.”, , “The US Urgently Needs Genetic Privacy Laws.”, ScienceDaily, “Does Genetic Testing Pose Psychosocial Risks?”. Mayo Clinic, Genetic Testing “Without clear markers, you’re opening Pandora’s box.” A patient whose parent was tested for a genetic heart condition, for example, wouldn’t be a candidate for BRCA 1 or 2 testing to determine breast cancer risk. U.S. National Library of Medicine, What Are the Risks and Limitations of Genetic Testing? Genetic testing helps produce crops that are maximally resistant to disease, pests and the effects of the climate. But the decision to get a test, she notes, shouldn’t be made lightly. It offers many benefits, including providing important information that can be used when making decisions about having a family and taking care of one’s own health. Genetic testing is used with any human to take a sample of their genes to look at common factors between their genetic makeup and illnesses that may occur. The information can include disease predisposition and carrier status. For those who do not suffer from cancer now, genetic testing can help keep them from happening later. For those interested in learning more about genetic testing and pregnancy, some resources include: Genetic testing is also helpful in the treatment of different diseases. The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Testing 786 Words | 4 Pages. This, in turn, will allow physicians to take preventive measures and help their patients minimize risks. Was this page helpful? Genetic privacy may be compromised if testing companies use your genetic information in an unauthorized way or if your data is stolen. According to Genetics Home Reference, this “is a way for people interested in family history (genealogy) to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation.”. No matter how much you intellectualize it, you can’t ever discount that the feeling of responsibility or guilt won’t affect you.”. Prenatal testing is done either by looking for blood markers or through amniocentesis. Determine parenthood:Genetic testing determines the parenthood of a child in cases of child custody and support. type of health program that involves the identification of any changes in genes This type of discrimination can be socially debilitating and have severe socio-economic consequences.” Because of this, genetic testing should always be done with confidentiality as a top priority. Now, people have been wondering whether they should consider themselves undergoing genetic testing. This can result in higher yields and greater product quality. The result is more efficient planting for farmers, along with better quality food for consumers. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Animals For Commercial Testing. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes instances of people connecting with biological half-siblings, particularly in cases involving sperm donation, or learning the identity of their biological fathers. The gathering of genetic material for testing is typically accomplished through: While most genetic testing is conducted in a hospital or other medical practice, services such as 23andMe allow participants to collect their own cheek swabs and mail them in for testing. The goal is to create widespread access to genetic testing trends and data points, allowing medical professionals to identify clear links between genetic markers and certain medical conditions or medication reactions. Genetic Testing Pros and Cons While predictive genetic testing is certainly a medical breakthrough, there are those who get excited at the opportunity to look into their genetic makeup and those who aren’t. Info: 1792 words (7 pages) Essay Published: 23rd Sep 2019 in Health. SEE ALSO: Should Young People Get a Colon Cancer Screening? That’s why, determine who else in the family is at risk, Should You Get At-Home Genetic Testing? UIC, Master of Science in Health Informatics & Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics, Understanding the Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing, and Gynecologists, “Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests.”, WebMD, “Pregnant? “But you’re also providing reassurance.”, SEE ALSO: Collecting a Family’s Cancer History: What You Should Ask. Sometimes, life-saving interventions can be initiated while the baby is still in the womb. But how can you be sure that nothing else will stand between you and your dream to have a desired baby? Many are also worried about the fact that many of these companies provide this information without any sort of medical context for the samples that they are testing when it comes to each individual patient. And since each parent contributes 50 percent to a child’s DNA, two siblings may have different test results. You inherit 50% of this DNA from your mother, and 50% from your father. Genetic Testing Research: Pros and Cons. ... A pair of expert clinician-scientists discussed the benefits and the potential drawbacks of universal genetic testing during a Virtual SABCS debate on Friday, Dec. 11. On the surface, the concept seems like a no-brainer: A sample of blood or saliva can offer clues to your body’s genetic defects, a road map to predicting future problems ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer. Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Some examples of how selective breeding helps farmers (and end consumers) include: While there are some clear advantages to genetic testing, there are also reasons for caution. It is worth noting that all 50 states require basic genetic screening for newborn babies, which allows providers to evaluate for conditions such as sickle cell disease or hypothyroidism. Through early detection, treatment can commence as quickly as possible. Genetic testing involves analysis of this DNA, which can reveal any mutations (changes to that chemical database) that may suggest a higher risk of illness, deformity or disease. It’s why most people first need a recommendation from their primary care physician. A few examples of the cons of genetic testing: 1. Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing: The human body is composed of millions of cells, which are considered as the basic units of life. The results of genetic testing may impact your ability to obtain life, disability, or long-term care insurance. Ethical concerns, health concerns and legal concerns have surfaced with regard to genetic tests. Through health informatics applications like this, physicians will be able to conduct some general genetic testing on patients, then cross-reference the results with clinical data that helps determine if a patient is in a high-risk group for potential diseases. Advantages of genetic testing for ancestry (pros) Autosomal DNA tests analyze your autosomal DNA, which is the DNA that you inherit on your numbered chromosomes. DTC Genetics: Pros and Cons. The testing revealed an amino acid in her DNA that put her at high risk for breast cancer. Providers may find themselves caught between advocating for the physical well-being of their patients and acknowledging disparate access to medical resources. 23andMe Well, to come up with a well-informed decision, it is important to understand what this procedure is all about and review the pros and cons that come with it. Results may trigger emotions: Finding out that a gene mutation is absent can offer a deep sense of relief. Your doctor may order a genetic test for any number of reasons related to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The United States and Gabon are the main two nations that permit experimentation with chimpanzees (ProCon.org). Pros of genetic testing It offers insight: With genetic testing, “we’re targeting the coding part of the gene that is relevant to your particular disease,” Aatre says. Ethical concerns, health concerns and legal concerns have surfaced with regard to genetic tests. This risk is higher for testing that is done earlier in the pregnancy; after 15 weeks, the risk is less than 1%. Also note that by detecting high-risk categories in babies, prenatal providers are able to better plan for the pediatric care the child will need at birth. This is an important method where medical treatment is highly personalized to the patient. Nevertheless, you can go through PGS to minimize all the risks and maximize the chances of giving birth to a healthy child. Others are also concerned that although this data could be helpful, some patients will not heed it at all, and continue o… Meanwhile, “Biological siblings and half-siblings often forge bonds that are relatively uncomplicated by the baggage that can dog biological parents and offspring.”. List of the Advantages of Genetic Testing 1. “It’s just exploded,” says Aatre. “You need to know what to go after,” Aatre says. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing provides only partial information about your health. Testing can be costly: The price of genetic testing ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. “A big part of genetic testing is trying to determine who else in the family is at risk,” Aatre says. UIC, Master of Science in Health Informatics & Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics. Science Daily reports that there is not yet research to confirm these risks. All human beings have unique sequences of DNA, a chemical database that provides instructions for how the body functions. * This ability to make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, based on the testing results. If testing reveals a baby with health risks or abnormalities, the mother may feel familial or societal pressure to terminate the pregnancy when this may not be what she truly wants. List of Pros of Genetic Testing. One of the major genetic screen cons is that many see it as potentially mentally detrimental to those who may be tested and learn that they have a very high chance of developing some diseases. U.S. National Library of Medicine, What Is Genetic Testing? However, it's important to realize that genetic testing is beneficial for EVERYONE. “Most people, once they’ve understood that, want to do it,” says Aatre, who explained some of the pros and cons of genetic testing she discusses with patients: It offers insight: With genetic testing, “we’re targeting the coding part of the gene that is relevant to your particular disease,” Aatre says. Some additional resources on this topic include: Genetic testing also helps individuals trace their family lines, not just to learn more about their own ancestry and heritage, but to identify and forge new relationships with relatives. For more information or to make an appointment for genetic counseling or testing at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, call 888-287-1082. Discrimination is (mostly) protected: Genetic testing results will appear on your medical record. You are free to copy, distribute, adapt, transmit, or make commercial use of this work as long as you attribute Michigan Medicine as the original creator and include a link to this article. “For biological parents, particularly those who gave children up for adoption, reunification often relieves guilt, uncertainty and what can be deep scars over the decision,” the APA writes. Debate examines pros and cons of genetic testing for all BCa patients. You can take action: A clearer portrait of risk can guide medical care. To learn more, check out these resources: Weighing the pros and cons of genetic testing means considering important ethical, legal, and medical issues. The Pros and Cons of Consumer Genetic Testing. Genetic testing or prenatal testing has its pros and cons but the pros of prenatal testing outweigh the cons. comparable to humans on a genetic level. Knowing that a particular mutation is absent can help people ease anxiety about their own health and that of their children. Some advantages, or pros, of genetic testing, include: A sense of relief from uncertainty So, you’ve carefully considered all your thoughts and finally decided to apply for in vitro fertilization program. A DNA testing is ordered to solve any disputes. Some People with Obsess about Potential Health Risks. Interested in resolving depression and anxiety naturally?Check out Dr Janelle’s online course Real Relief Foundations. ... A geneticist or genetic counselor can help by providing information about the pros and cons of the test and discussing the social and emotional aspects of testing. U.S. National Library of Medicine, What Is Genetic Testing? From the standpoint of personal health, genetic testing can facilitate early detection of diseases and other medical risks, allowing for prompt and proactive treatment. Ethical concerns. 9. Well, as there are many reasons why men and women have infertility, IVF has specific requirements and flows differently in any particular case. Genetic testing is an important tool for detecting any genetic abnormalities or disorders in an unborn child. For example, if genetic testing reveals a patient to have an inherited risk of obesity, their medical provider might make pre-emptive recommendations on diet and nutrition, or counsel vigilance concerning certain risk factors. Meanwhile, commercial testing services such as 23andMe enable customers to trace their genetic origins and learn more about their family history. U.S. National Library of Medicine, What Are the Risks and Limitations of Genetic Testing? At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, we feel that in order to make the best decision you must first weigh the pros and cons. Genetic Testing. “They’re cheaper than they used to be but are still very expensive,” Aatre says. ... Genetic testing holds great potential for the future of medical care. The vast majority of babies have a phenylketonuria (PKU) test at birth to assess for the inherited disorder. For additional insight into this field, consider these resources: Genetic testing’s rise in popularity is easy to understand: It’s a field that offers numerous benefits to doctors and patients, to farmers, and to individuals who desire more information about their family origins. This paper set out to discuss the pros and cons of genetic screening so as to provide a stand as to whether this practice should be encouraged. As an example, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that some communities require couples to undergo certain kinds of genetic testing either before marriage or before having a child together. One is that it may impede on individual personal freedom. Learn about genetic testing for phenylketonuria (PKU), and the pros and cons of being genetically tested or having your baby tested before birth. Short sections of DNA are called together as the gene. Amniocentesis (for pregnant women; involves the use of a thin needle inserted into the uterus to collect fluid), Selectively breeding corn that yields larger kernels and larger ears, Breeding turkeys that grow faster and become larger, Introducing new varieties of crops that can thrive in harsh climates, Breeding cattle that are resistant to specific diseases and do not require antibiotics or other chemicals. Sometimes, genetic testing reveals a medical complication “accidentally.” A Science News article highlights a woman who used a genetic testing service to learn more about her family history. Genetic Testing Pros and Cons. “Let’s say you find out your kid got something because you passed it down. This type of testing is incredibly useful. By Sarah Yahr Tucker November 2020. Ancestry tests are taken either in a medical practice or at home; the latter is an incredibly popular option. Still, she says, there is power in knowledge: It allows recipients to be proactive about their own health — and to help determine if other family members are at risk. While there are some clear advantages to genetic testing, there are also reasons for caution. Genetic testing doesn’t necessarily identify a specific disease but may identify risk factors that call for additional, targeted testing. These screenings can accomplish a variety of things, including helping patients discern their risk for certain diseases and assisting expectant mothers in monitoring the health of their babies. Pros: * The ability to obtain personal genetic information quickly and privately without a “prescription”. That, she notes, involves reading a DNA sequence from start to finish to see if there are any “interruptions/disruptions” — mutations associated with the disease in question — that stop the gene from making normal proteins. Some of the specific diseases that can be identified via genetic testing include: Genetic testing can be life-saving for patients, and it also empowers medical providers to better focus their treatment efforts. ScienceDaily, “Does Genetic Testing Pose Psychosocial Risks?” On the negative side, it carries a risk of harming the fetus and can increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Notable exceptions: Disability, life and long-term care insurance could be affected. An exception is amniocentesis, which can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Know the Facts First, Collecting a Family’s Cancer History: What You Should Ask. For example, what if genetic testing reveals an individual who is at acute medical risk and requires immediate treatment, yet that individual does not have the insurance or the funds to pay for the best treatment? “Some genes respond to certain medications and treatments better.” That, depending on circumstance, might lead to additional diagnostic testing or monitoring, healthful lifestyle shifts or getting family members tested. With that said, anecdotal evidence shows that many pregnant women say genetic testing increases their anxiety about giving birth, particularly when the findings are not entirely positive. on: December 12, 2020. To learn more about genetic testing and its use in identifying heritage, consider these sources: Genetic testing also plays an important role in food and agriculture. From the arguments presented in this paper, it is evident that genetic screening is hugely beneficial as it can lead to better decision making as well as preventive measures where genetic anomalies are discovered. That’s why several anti-discrimination laws protect recipients, notably the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, which prohibits employers using that data to hire, fire or promote and health insurance companies from using it as a pre-existing condition. There are even direct-to-consumer tests able to trace your ancestry. Email . Dorothy Pomerantz vividly remembers the email that changed her life. The World Health Organization writes: “Employers and insurance companies have been known to deny individuals essential healthcare or employment based on knowledge of genetic disposition. Ethical concerns fall along several lines. Legal issues that surround genetic testing tend to focus on the potential for discrimination. More information about the ethics of genetic testing can be found here: Generally, genetic tests have very little physical risk. Search. Which program are you most interested in? “The science is easy to process; the emotional component is not,” says Rajani Aatre, M.S., M.Sc., a genetic counselor at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center. Undergoing prenatal genetic testing has several pros and cons. Uncertainty is lessened: Worried about a future ailment? A careful study of genetic testing and its various applications will reveal a complicated web of issues, one in which nuanced thinking is a must. And others who find out that they are carriers can take comfort in having more control. Newborn screening is the most common form of genetic testing in the United States. As these tests gain in popularity however, it is important to understand some of the broader conversations that surround them, including potential ethical complications. That, she notes, involves reading a DNA sequence from start to finish to see if there are any “interruptions/disruptions” — mutations associated with the disease in question — that stop the gene from making normal proteins. Some additional resources regarding genetic testing and disease treatment include: Genetic testing can also be used to trace family history or learn more about ethnic background. For additional insight regarding genetic testing and family history, consider: Genetic testing can also help agriculturalists practice selective breeding, pairing different types of seeds or mating varied types of animals with certain genetic characteristics in mind. There are a number of applications for genetic testing, including prenatal testing. Genetic testing should be encouraged only when there is effective therapy available to prevent or treat the condition tested for. It was 2018, and Pomerantz, who lives in Los Angeles, had completed a DNA test from 23andMe that included a Genetic Health Risk report. On the plus side, it allows for planning for possible developmental issues, determine the viability of the fetus, and establish paternity. Not everyone is eligible: To get tested, a loved one must already have been affected by a disease or disorder — and been genetically tested, too. Similarly, genetic testing is used in selective animal breeding, which enables farmers to produce the healthiest and most resilient livestock. Sometimes, even a routine genetic ancestry test can reveal underlying health risks that doctors might not otherwise detect, as we saw in the example of the woman who found she was in the early stages of breast cancer. View all blog posts under HI. Of course, this isn’t to say that everyone should undergo genetic testing. Inside each cell lies the genetic material or the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). Through DNA evaluation of different strands of plant life, agriculturalists can determine which seeds will produce the healthiest yields. There are also complicated issues for physicians. Still, insurance typically covers such tests for newborns and expectant mothers, as well as patients with a documented personal or family history or a physician’s recommendation. View all blog posts under Articles | Cons of Genetic Testing. Blood tests and cheek swabs have virtually no risk whatsoever. There are also concerns over the psychological and emotional risks of genetic testing. Genetic testing is used to identify genetic disorders, and involves a detailed study of the DNA molecule. The reason? Genetic tests offered by companies like 23andMe only analyze a small segment of your DNA. And as awareness of genetic mutations grows, testing mechanisms have become quicker, cheaper and more precise. The pros and cons of genetic testing warrant a closer look. Additional information about genetic testing and its use in agriculture can be found here: There are important connections between genetic testing and health informatics; though these connections are still being fleshed out and explored, they have already yielded some significant resources to improve the effectiveness of preventative medical care. Read about Michigan Medicine’s latest research and medical breakthroughs on our science-driven sister blog. They’ll also meet with a certified genetic counselor to explain the process and the many considerations that come with getting the detailed analysis. Few would question that genetic testing has helped save lives and treat illness, yet these positive outcomes do not come without some related concerns. Minimize all the risks and limitations of genetic testing we feel that in to. 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