Genetic testing?

[little one]

Should we all be genetically tested? What do you think, would you have it done?
Is there anything published that is says a definite yes or no to it?
Just want to get some of your opinions, this could be our future, and I'm not sure how welcoming I am of it.
Thanks

[LeftArm]

Genetic testing for what by who?

There were issues when AIDS testing was introduced with some insurance companies adding to premiums of peoples life insurance who had been tested regardless of the outcome assuming them to be higher risk as they "think" they may have AIDs. This then had a knock on effect on people giving blood as the test is required.

[Defblade]

Tested for what? And who will be able to do what with the information afterwards?

Like many other "tests" that can only report in terms of possibilities/probabilities, not really very useful for the individual I suspect.

[little one]

Testing your genetic material to see if you have certain genes, or have mutations in certain genes, which predispose you to a certain disease condition. e.g. someone carrying X gene is 80% more likely to get cancer, or have a heart attack etc. This is now being done for at risk groups of patients, or you can pay to have it done so you can see what you are more susceptible to. If you have this information maybe you could make lifestyle changes that could help prevent you getting a disease, or look out for warning signs. In the future we could all be genetically tested, as new technology is developed and time and costs fall. I'm just wondering if you think there is any point to this? Is it necessary? And should the patient be told of the out come or how likely they are to develop X,Y,Z- or would this just cause them unnecessary distress, which could then lead to cancer, high blood pressure etc.? Knowing which genes predispose someone to a condition should surely open a new area where treatments could be developed, maybe even alter genes? Do you this genetic testing is a good idea? In theory I think it is, but there are just too many ethical problems... I was just wondering what is your opinion on it?

[johnep]

OK you are tested and are told you have Huntingdons Chorea. What would you do. Book a ticket to Switzerland? Che Sera Sera.
johnep

[johnep]

OK you are tested and are told you have Huntingdons Chorea. What would you do. Book a ticket to Switzerland? Che Sera Sera.
johnep

[little one]

I don't know, maybe enjoy the time you have? I'm thinking more along the lines of watching out for symptoms, having more tests, and catching something like cancer early before it gets to a stage too serious to treat. This way treatment is more effective and shorter, and more lives could be saved, no?

[hibernia]

If you have this information maybe you could make lifestyle changes that could help prevent you getting a disease, or look out for warning signs.

We already have the information that certain lifestyle changes will decrease the chances of us getting a disease. They seem to be remarkably similiar for all diseases - stop smoking, exercise more, eat less fat, sugar and red meat, eat more fuit and veg, to mention the main ones.
Many people who already HAVE a disease, e.g diabetes or CV disease, either can't or won't make these lifestyle changes so why would people AT RISK do so?

If there is a specific risk of a serious genetic condition in your family then genetic testing may be useful but for the general population I feel it would cause a great deal of worry and stress for very little, if any, benefit. Even well established testing, like cervical cancer screening and breast checking programmes, do this but the benefits are well proven. There is also the problem that those most at risk, i.e. lower social groups, are the ones least likely to avail of even free testing so would be likely losers again in a Brave New World where we would have another ground for discrimination, our genetic profile.