According to Mayo clinic (2020), genetic testing involves testing of an individual’s DNA, a chemical database, which instructs body functioning. It is a type of medical test that analyzes individual’s genes, to analyze any changes, sometimes referred as mutations or variants, in the DNA. This analysis can help provide critical information regarding risk of developing certain diseases or passing on genetic disorders to the children.

Q2. How it is implemented

To undergo genetic testing, a patient typically is required to provide a sample of their DNA. The process is done using an individual’s hair, blood, skin, or other body tissue to look at their DNA, chromosomes, or proteins for a change, or mutation, that is associated with a genetic condition (Mayo clinic, 2020).

Q3. Benefits

Today, many clinicians are using genetic testing to help patients, including their families understand their cancer risks or for cancer treatment. This is because the process can be considered at various stages of cancer, depending on the person and their background. For instance if one is dragonized with breast cancer, genetic testing might be conducted to help understand reasons and if the family is at risk. This can pave way for the patients and their families make informed decisions about screening and reproductive choices. It also provides a personalize risk assessment that offers information regarding the likelihood of developing breast cancer based on genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Finally, the test results can help with treatment planning. According to Singh et al, (2023) genetic testing play a critical role in not only cancer diagnosis but sometimes medical treatment. It can guide treatment decisions, such as if preventive measures like surgery are necessary.

Q4. Risks

Genetic testing have physical, social, emotional and financial risks. Some testing such as prenatal testing like chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis has a risk of pregnancy loss or miscarriage. Additionally, some individuals may find the DNA sample providing process of uncomfortable or invasive, especially if drawing of blood involves. Genetic testing can reveal a higher risk of developing certain chronic diseases such as cancer, which can be emotionally distressing. Some people might also react to such bad news by feeling depressed or isolating and might create tension within a family (Yang et al, 202). There could be implications for insurance coverage, thus financial issues and concerns about the genetic information privacy.

References

Mayo clinic (2020). Genetic testing. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genetic-testing/about/pac-20384827

Singh, D. N., Daripelli, S., Bushara, M. O. E., Polevoy, G. G., & Prasanna, M. (2023). Genetic testing for successful cancer treatment. Cureus, 15(12). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10765765/

Yang, T., Li, W., Huang, T., & Zhou, J. (2023). Genetic testing enhances the precision diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(23), 16607. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316607

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