3 reasons why it's good
It offers insight: With genetic testing, âweâre targeting the coding part of the gene that is relevant to your particular disease,â Aatre says. That, she notes, involves reading a DNA sequence from start to finish to see if there are any âinterruptions/disruptionsâ â mutations associated with the disease in question â that stop the gene from making normal proteins.
Uncertainty is lessened: Worried about a future ailment? Knowing that a particular mutation is absent can help people ease anxiety about their own health and that of their children. âA big part of genetic testing is trying to determine who else in the family is at risk,â Aatre says. âBut youâre also providing reassurance.â Â
You can take action: A clearer portrait of risk can guide medical care. âCertain genes are associated with more severe diseases,â Aatre says. âSome genes respond to certain medications and treatments better.â That, depending on circumstance, might lead to additional diagnostic testing or monitoring, healthful lifestyle shifts or getting family members tested.
3 Counter Arguments
It isnât a full-body review: Testing is targeted: âWhen someone walks in my door, Iâm not going to screen them for everything on the planet,â Aatre says. âWithout clear markers, youâre opening Pandoraâs box.â A patient whose parent was tested for a genetic heart condition, for example, wouldnât be a candidate for BRCA 1 or 2 testing to determine breast cancer risk.
Testing can be costly: The price of genetic testing ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. âTheyâre cheaper than they used to be but are still very expensive,â Aatre says. Still, insurance typically covers such tests for newborns and expectant mothers, as well as patients with a documented personal or family history or a physicianâs recommendation.
Results may trigger emotions: Finding out that a gene mutation is absent can offer a deep sense of relief. And others who find out that they are carriers can take comfort in having more control. Still, says Aatre: âThis crystal ball, all of a sudden, can pop in front of you.â That may spark deep feelings of guilt (regardless of findings) or difficult decisions.