Genetic testing is a popular subject for debate these days.
While one can't deny the many advances made thanks to genetic testing, others
cite the possibility for misunderstanding, or even misusing, such information.
The pros and cons of genetic testing
tends to be quite a controversial topic, especially with recent developments in
the direct to consumer genetic testing market.
Because direct to consumer genetic testing is a relatively
recent development, government entities are pushing back against private
companies offering their services to the public at large. Not all tests can
offer definitive results, and as in the case of prenatal testing, there is a
fear that consumers may make drastic decisions that are not completely
necessary. This seems to be a function of the technology developing quicker
than the understanding of how to apply it in a real life circumstance, and
because of this governmental agencies have felt the need to regulate the
industry.
Protecting Consumers vs. The Right to Know
In the past, only medical professionals could initiate
genetic testing. These tests were commonly used in certain circumstances, such
as when there was a family history of illness present. With the focus put on
genetic testing in popular culture, many consumers are rightly curious about
the benefits of such tests.
Due to the proliferation of companies offering genetic
testing services, virtually anyone can receive such tests, and usually for an
extremely reasonable price – see more at genetic testing website Gtldna.com. These tests can
uncover predispositions to certain illnesses, thereby giving the patient a
resource he or she can then take to a physician for further discussion. The
idea is that this sort of testing puts the power of one's healthcare in their
own hands.
On paper this seems to be a great idea. However, there are a
few downsides associated with such testing. While testing has advanced greatly
over the years, there is still much not known about how results play into an
individual's health. Some patients may find strong indicators for disease, yet
never develop them. Conversely, a person may have no indication of disease, yet
develop it anyway.
While in some cases genetic testing can offer definitive
results, there is still quite a bit of room for speculation. For this reason,
government agencies are forcing companies to scale back on their testing
services for health conditions. The fear is consumers will misinterpret data,
which can lead to drastic health decisions which may not be necessary.
Paving the Way to Treatments and Cures
Another argument can be made in favor of genetic testing,
given how crucial such research is to medical professionals and others in the
medical field. Because genetic testing has become much more accessible to the
average person, test results are numerous throughout the world. These results
may play a huge role in developing treatments and cures for a variety of
illnesses. They can also identify trends
in certain geographic locations, as well as study the way diseases make their
way through families or local populations.
The proliferation of genetic test results serves as boon to
those studying genetic material on a large scale. Often, this research might
take years to adequately compile. With a preponderance of information available
from all over the world, advances in medicine could happen at a much faster
pace.
Comprehensive databases are now in place to make studying this
information even easier. While the applications for genetic testing may not be
as numerous right now, with the sheer amount of information being made
available, future research is sure to uncover the way DNA relates to one's
health over a lifetime.
Making Genetic Testing Work for You
Like most technological advances, genetic testing can have
both positive and negative affects. The overwhelming fear is that results will
be misinterpreted, causing further harm to patients instead of helping them.
When looked from a purely informational perspective, these test results are
crucial to understanding the impact genetics can play on one's life.
