In some cases, people who test positive for genetic testing can receive preventive treatments. For example, people who test posi
tive for the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 can have a preventive mastectomy (breast removal surgery) before they develop the disease. In other cases, no preventive treatments are available, but frequent monitoring can help detect a disease earlier, when it’s more easily treated. What ethical or professional concerns does a health-care professional need to address when he or she has a patient who wants to prematurely treat a genetic disease? Do you think genetic testing should be part of normal preventive healthcare? Why or why not?
The obvious benefit of genetic testing is the chance to better understand of your risk for a certain disease. It can help ease uncertainty. Testing is not perfect, but it can often help you make decisions about your health.
