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Pros of Gene Testing

Gene testing, also known as DNA testing, is a method of testing for genetic disorders that involves examination of the DNA molecule for mutated sequences. By examining where these mutations occur, scientists can predict the likelihood of a person developing more than 1,000 disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis and several hereditary cancers. Patients considering this type of testing will find that there are a number of benefits to knowing more about their genetic makeup.

  1. Relief of Uncertainty

    • One of the most difficult aspects of hereditary disorders is the anxiety associated with not knowing whether you may develop the disorder as you age. Whether the results are positive or negative, knowing the truth offers a great deal of relief to many. If you test negative, you probably can stop fearing that you will develop the condition. Patients testing positive also benefit, however, as they are better prepared to monitor their health and take steps to manage their disease.

    Preventive Care

    • If genetic testing shows you are likely to develop a disease, you can take charge of your health. You probably will want to research prevention and treatment, and your health might improve as a result. For example, you might elect to quit smoking, improve your diet, find a doctor specializing in the disorder and research the effectiveness of new drug therapies or alternative medicine.

    Informed Decision-Making

    • Patients who have genetic testing are better prepared to make important life decisions, such as the choices to get married or have children. A positive diagnosis may sway some people to start a family more quickly than they had originally planned, while others may decide to forgo the family life altogether. Patients who have a known genetic disease and are considering parenthood may also elect to have a pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) test to determine gene abnormalities in embryos conceived via in vitro fertilization. The doctor can select only the mutation-free embryos for implantation, ensuring that a parent's genetic disorder will not be passed on to the next generation.

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