Genetic testing… the next "hot" thing?
As everyone knows, our DNA is like a blueprint that contains all our genetic information used in the development and function of all living organisms. With the advancement of technology, everyday people (ie. all of us) can undergo tests to learn our genetic information – relatively inexpensively. In fact, some insurance companies may even cover the costs of some genetic tests – such as the Genomic Health test which "looks at the activity of 21 different genes in tumors" (Forbes.com, The Telltale Tumor).
Genetic testing is the cover story(ies) of the June 18th issue of Forbes. Not only can we see if we have a mutated gene that can make us more vulnerable to cancer or heart disease, but there are genetic tests that can be taken on a tumor that can detect DNA flaws which could cause the tumor cells to grower more rapidly than regular cells.
Why is this significant?
With this knowledge, you can decide whether you can even consider foregoing chemotherapy after a tumor removal or your doctor can see whether s/he will need to change your treatment.
Did you know that a flaw on chromosome 9 "may boost the risk of early heart attack by as much as 70%"? Did you also know that 21% of the population has this flaw? That's about 1 in every 5 people. Are you that 1 in 5? Of course, if you live a healthy lifestyle, your lifestyle will mitigate the risk.
Did you know that 1 out of every 10 people have two copies of a diabetes-promoting gene that could "double the risk of diabetes compared with the average person"? Well, if you are so willing, you can order a mail-in test online for $500 to see if you have this diabetes-promoting gene.
Genetic testing is becoming very popular – especially since knowing your genetic information is like having a crystal ball into your future. With the genetic information, you can plan on what treatments you want (or need) or the lifestyle you need to pursue (ie. if you have the flaw in chromosome 9, then you have no choice but to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to counter the risk of a heart attack).
Genetic testing is the cover story(ies) of the June 18th issue of Forbes. Not only can we see if we have a mutated gene that can make us more vulnerable to cancer or heart disease, but there are genetic tests that can be taken on a tumor that can detect DNA flaws which could cause the tumor cells to grower more rapidly than regular cells.
Why is this significant?
With this knowledge, you can decide whether you can even consider foregoing chemotherapy after a tumor removal or your doctor can see whether s/he will need to change your treatment.
Did you know that a flaw on chromosome 9 "may boost the risk of early heart attack by as much as 70%"? Did you also know that 21% of the population has this flaw? That's about 1 in every 5 people. Are you that 1 in 5? Of course, if you live a healthy lifestyle, your lifestyle will mitigate the risk.
Did you know that 1 out of every 10 people have two copies of a diabetes-promoting gene that could "double the risk of diabetes compared with the average person"? Well, if you are so willing, you can order a mail-in test online for $500 to see if you have this diabetes-promoting gene.
Genetic testing is becoming very popular – especially since knowing your genetic information is like having a crystal ball into your future. With the genetic information, you can plan on what treatments you want (or need) or the lifestyle you need to pursue (ie. if you have the flaw in chromosome 9, then you have no choice but to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to counter the risk of a heart attack).
Labels: cancer, DNA, Forbes, genes, genetic information, genetic testing
posted by CareTALKGals(tm) at 6/01/2007 10:48:00 PM
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