H E ALTH CA RE S P OT L I G H T
Genetic Testing:
What are the Benefits?
By Lorri Lee
Genetic testing looks at your
genes to check for any mu-
tations. Genetic testing has
potential benefits whether the
results are positive or nega-
tive for gene mutations. Test
results can give relief from
uncertainty and help people
make informed decisions
about managing their health
care.
According to an article on
familydoctor.org, “Genes are
found in chromosomes and
are made up of DNA. We
inherit genes from our parents.
Our gene structure dictates
how our body grows and
regulates. When genes are
normal, they work properly.
When genes are abnormal or
damaged, they can lead to dis-
ease. These are called gene
mutations, or changes. Some
changes run in families (he-
reditary), and some happen by
chance. A gene mutation can
be the sole cause of disease.
However, most diseases occur
from a mix of genetic and envi-
ronmental factors.”
Genetic testing is done with
a sample of blood, saliva, or
tissue. There are several rea-
sons why you might do genetic
testing:
8 | SUMMER 2020
· To diagnose a disease or
type of disease
· To determine the cause
of a disease
· To determine treatment
options for a disease
· To find your risk of get-
ting a certain disease that
possibly can be prevented
A national poll sponsored
by AARP and Michigan Med-
icine, shows some but not a
lot of older adults are being
tested. Genetic testing is more
accessible than ever, but
although older adults say they
would be interested in taking a
DNA test to learn more about
their health, not many have
done so, according to the
AARP-University of Michigan
poll. The survey showed that
5.3 percent of adults ages
50-64 have taken a DNA test
because their physician asked
them to and 10.2 percent
have had their DNA tested
on their own initiative. But
more than half said they are
interested in DNA testing to
help better guide their medi-
cal care (54%), to understand
their health risks (60%) or to
learn more about their ances-
try (60%). “We’re living in an
era when advances like DNA
testing are providing amazing
amounts of useful health infor-
mation, “says Allison Bryant,
senior vice president of re-
search at AARP.
DRUG GENE TESTING
Drug-gene testing is also
called pharmacogenomic
testing or pharmacogenetics.
An article from the Mayo Clinic
states “All terms characterize
the study of how genes affect
your body’s response to med-
ications. The word “pharma-
cogenomics” is combined from
the word pharmacology (the
study of the uses and effects
of medications) and genomics
(the study of genes and their
functions).” Some genes are
responsible for how your body
processes medications. Phar-
macogenomic tests look for
changes or variants in these
genes that may determine
whether a medication could be
an effective treatment or have
possible side effects.
To put it simple, pharma-
cogenomics testing is to find
out if a medication is right for
you. A small blood or saliva
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