Personalized Genomics: Do You Want To Know?

As technology and knowledge of DNA is advancing, the possibility of personalized medicine is becoming more and more realistic. We are growing closer to the day and age where we will be able to send DNA samples to companies where our genomes will be analyzed to predict any diseases and health issues that we may come across in our lifetime. The big question surrounding this topic is, "Would you want to know?" Would you want to know your chances of getting cancer or Huntington's Disease? Would this help you seek prevention and make you become aware of your health, or would knowing this information cause your life to be controlled by dread? How would your family members and close friends react to this information? These are all really important questions to ask when trying to envision this topic.

This topic makes me reflect to GATTACA, and how when Vincent was born, the statistics of his life were presented on the screen. He had a 99% probability of heart dysfunction, and was told that he would die in his 30's. Personally, I do not believe I would like to know this information. I find comfort in fate, and believe that knowing this information would cause me to fear life itself, constantly worrying if my actions could cause me to die at an early age. It is very important to be healthy and take care of yourself, but like all things, this can be taken to the dangerous extreme.

In an article from USA Today, Kristin Power's decision to test for Huntington's Disease is described in detail, covering all aspects from emotional to scientific. She explains how making this decision was difficult, but it was something that she felt she had to do. Her brother is less willing to be tested, however, he is still considering it. Kristin has enrolled in counselling to cope with the stress, even before she has been tested. There is no way to measure how much emotional strain will come from this test, and if Kristen tests positive for the gene carrying the disorder, she will have to work to make this a part of her life. She has already considered this, stating that since Huntington's is hereditary, she will not have children if she tests positive. In addition, even if Kristin tests positive, there is the possibility that the test was inaccurate. In similar cases, people can forget that genetics are only one component to health; your actions can still impact your medical future. For example, if you test negative for skin cancer, you can still be diagnosed with it if you expose yourself to strong radiation.

This is a very interesting topic that definitely requires some thought; would you want to know your medical future? To view the article about Kristin Powers, please click here.