Search is Powered by Google
Genetics News

Benefits Of Broad Genetic Testing Still Limited

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 18 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PST

email icon email to a friend   printer icon printer friendly   write icon view / write opinions   rate icon rate article
Current Article Ratings:

Patient / Public:not yet rated

Health Professional:not yet rated

Article Opinions: 0 posts

Five years ago, scientists finished mapping the complete human genetic code, but genetic assessment of disease risk remains in its infancy, according to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

Scientists know that people share essentially the same genetic makeup, differing only by one-tenth of 1 percent. By studying that small variation, they hope to explain why one person is healthy and another sick and which treatments are best suited for each individual.

Scientists have identified "simple" genetic disorders caused by mutation of a single gene, for example, sickle cell anemia. Much more research is necessary on common diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, which are likely caused by a combination of genetic changes along with environmental influences.

Already, some private companies are providing DNA analysis to the public to assess disease risk. A few also offer genetic counseling and disease prevention and screening advice.

Experts caution that current tests don't identify all genetic variants that combine to predict vulnerability or resistance to a disease. And even then, an accurate test might not provide useful information. For example, most women have an estimated 10 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer. Some medical providers question the practicality of informing a woman her personal risk may be slightly higher. In most cases, screening and prevention options aren't changed.

Though not as exciting as new technology, a careful analysis of the extended family medical history can provide a form of genetic risk assessment that is just as useful as newer tests.

Mayo Clinic
200 First St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902
United States
http://www.mayoclinic.com




Personalized Homepage Weekly Newsletters Daily News Alerts
Opioid Induced Constipation ADHD Anxiety Asthma Autism Cancer Diabetes Lung Cancer Lupus Medicare / Medicaid Obesity and BMI Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells All 'What Is...' Articles All 'How To...' Articles

Ophthalmology Urology
About Us News Licensing Free Website Feeds Free Tools & Content Tell a Friend Accessibility Help / FAQ Article Submission Links Contact Us

add medical news today to your facebook
medical news gadget

Swine Flu Image

Swine Flu Updates

- Latest Swine Flu News
- What is Swine Flu?
- Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
- Swine Flu - Top 20 FAQ
- Daily Email News Alerts
Stick with Medical News Today for the latest news updates on swine flu.


These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months:
Top Article Star
Mother Gives Birth To Twins With Different Fathers, US
18 May 2009
11-month old Dallas-born twins Justin and Jordan have different fathers, a phenomenon known as heteropaternal superfecundation that is so rare there are only a handful of documented cases in the world...


Diagnosing Vision Problems in Children
Diagnosing Vision Problems in Children

Children with vision problems are often misidentified as having learning disabilities, especially since the kids themselves may not be aware there's a problem with their sight. But parents should look for warning signs of vision trouble.

more videos are available in our health videos section.