Would you or have you had your genetic predisposition to disease tested?

[Mike 03]

Have any of you ever submitted to genetic testing to see if you are a higher risk for a particular illness?

I was looking at some websites that do this type of testing and contemplating both the positives and negatives of finding out what my genome (or whatever you call it) looks like and what could be in store for me.

1. Is this kind of testing accurate?

2. Do they look for all of the "ticking time bomb" mutations (KRAS, p53, all translocations for most major illnesses) or just the most well known ones like BRCA and APOe for Alzheimer's? In some families, rarer cancers like pancreatic cancer are hereditary, and those mutations are less well known and more obscure. Do you know if they look for those too?

3. Do I really want to know? I'm scared!

4. What will ascertaining this information so far as obtaining health insurance goes? What if my sister should discover she has the BRCA mutation and is therefore more likely to get breast cancer. When she applies for health insurance, are they entitled to know that? Is she obligated to tell them? If she doesn't tell them and her carrier finds out, can she be denied health coverage?

All sorts of interesting questions arise.

Has anyone gotten genetic testing?

If you know something about it, as a scientist or just an interested person, do you think this is worth getting? Is it helpful, or just a scam?

Thanks in advance for your reflections.

[Donnachaidh]

1. until we have universal healthcare, you're asking to be genetically redlined

It's something I wouldn't do, but I've already had to deal with being ostracized by insurances. :shrug:

[Mike 03]

6. That worries me too. Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. NT

[Cerridwen]

2. In a sane world, I would. In this toxic environment, not unless

forced at gunpoint.

I think there's already been some evidence this type of testing is being used to deny, not only health insurance, but jobs.

I'll click around a bit and see if I can find links.

edit to add: clicked around a bit. found a bit about "alleged" abuse of genetic testing results.

Since that time, the GINA bill passed. A critique of the GINA bill is at this link.

I'll wait and see.

[Mike 03]

7. See, that's frightening stuff. Thanks for the input. It's a real catch 22. NT

[Katidid]

3. Absolutely not ...

I feel the same way about arbitrary drug testing (pre-employment, etc)... and what I don't understand is that the working class are drug/alcohol tested but all of the politicians are not tested. This really confuses me.

PS. I don't do drugs, so I really am not invested emotionally about the drug thing, except I would like to see marijuana (I'm not even sure if I spelled it correctly)legalized.

[Mike 03]

8. Thanks. I agree it should never be forced upon anyone. That would be hideous. NT

[pinto]

4. I think you have to look at it in a risk/benefit way. If there's a history of a particular

genetically linked illness in your family, *and* a reliable genetic marker (i.e 2 opinions, one a professional familiar with the screen) I'd consider it. Early detection and treatment always equates with better outcomes.

If confidentiality is a concern, I'd bring those up with a professional before any decision.

And if your comfort level with any predictive test is a concern, I'd bring that into the conversation as well.

You're always in charge in these scenarios and can pass. That's the key.

[Mike 03]

9. Thank you, Pinto. That is a thoughtful response. Maybe the internet is not the place to

get DNA testing. I suppose I should think about going to a real hospital. And getting two opinions is a great idea.

:pals:

[Jeanette in FL]

5. I am going to do it

First off I believe that knowledge is power. If you show a predisposition to a certain disease, there are so many proactive preventative measures that you can start doing to ward off certain diseases.

As a small business owner, I cannot afford medical insurance, so for me it is a way to have some sort of control over my health care. I gave up insurance a few years ago after they kept raising the premiums, even though I rarely used it.

Luckily, I have been healthy and I do take preventative measures towards my health. Many may say that I subscribe to "snake oil" but it works for me.

I do know that the price for the genome testing has come down drastically in the past few years, it used to close to a $1000.00 and it now about $300.00. To me it is a worthwhile investment towards my health care. It will show the genes that you have inherited from your maternal side and paternal sides of the family. Hopefully, I inherited more my Mom's side than my Dad's as my Mom's side has great health and longevity.

I will keep you posted when I do the test after I get back to Florida.

[Mike 03]

11. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your thoughts

I agree knowledge is power.

I also don't have health insurance. I gave it up because it was useless when I needed it.

Preventative medicine is enormously important to me. To the extent possible I do that: strenuous exercise daily, 75 grams of fiber a day, little meat, a ridiculous number of nutritional supplements a day. But I have had my flaws in the past, and some risk factors including bad (no, terrible) family history, chronic insomnia, use of nicotine (not smoking, but other forms and the gum).

Wow, I hadn't realized it was that inexpensive to get genome testing. That is affordable.

If you feel like doing so, please feel free to PM me with the name of the lab you trust. It would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you

ON EDIT:

How could I forget to wish you the best of luck with your testing. I hope it turns out well!!!

I'm crossing my fingers for you!

[lumberjack_jeff]

10. I watched Gattaca. No deal. n/t

[Saphire]

12. Nah, I wouldn't do it. I have enough to worry about with the things I DO know.

[spanone]

13. nope...the insurance companies will use it against you.

[cobalt1999]

14. I would.

Between knowing and playing ostrich, I'd prefer the information....whatever it may be.

[Lars39]

15. I thought about it.

Maternal grandmother, mother and now me, all having breast cancer. I have a daughter, but I don't want the test results to knock her out of getting health insurance at some point in the future. :(