Comments on: Genetic testing http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/04/genetic-testing/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Pearl Pfiester http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/04/genetic-testing/comment-page-1/#comment-482967 Pearl Pfiester Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:50:12 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=18284#comment-482967 I believe the author from her media perspective skewed the reality and usefulness of genetics testing to "make a story." Many genes make a protein and the process is rather complex so the "one-gene association" dream to a disease is not valid. The fact someone may have mutation(s) or chromosomal instability (microsatellites e.g.) present (person can be mosaic too) does give one a higher probability to disease. As for PD, they are still trying to find the exact candidate gene ex. p.R1141C (I just read a paper from the European Human Genetics Journal published 2008). Cancer is something that worries people; CANCER IS GENETIC and can be PREVENTED by positive lifestyles. Genetics testing informs people's disease susceptibility. This can play a role for people that choose to procreate; they can avoid passing the sex-linked genes to offspring for example. People can make future choices based on their screening or family history to decrease the probability. Time and time again, it's unfortunate that the media does not report science accurately; only a partial story comes out usually. I don't pretend to know everything about genetics but I feel I have a better understanding than most people. I would love to talk about genetics to the author sometime. I believe the author from her media perspective skewed the reality and usefulness of genetics testing to "make a story." Many genes make a protein and the process is rather complex so the "one-gene association" dream to a disease is not valid. The fact someone may have mutation(s) or chromosomal instability (microsatellites e.g.) present (person can be mosaic too) does give one a higher probability to disease. As for PD, they are still trying to find the exact candidate gene ex. p.R1141C (I just read a paper from the European Human Genetics Journal published 2008).

Cancer is something that worries people; CANCER IS GENETIC and can be PREVENTED by positive lifestyles.

Genetics testing informs people's disease susceptibility. This can play a role for people that choose to procreate; they can avoid passing the sex-linked genes to offspring for example. People can make future choices based on their screening or family history to decrease the probability. Time and time again, it's unfortunate that the media does not report science accurately; only a partial story comes out usually.

I don't pretend to know everything about genetics but I feel I have a better understanding than most people. I would love to talk about genetics to the author sometime.

]]> By: A. M. from NY http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/04/genetic-testing/comment-page-1/#comment-482940 A. M. from NY Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:31:10 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=18284#comment-482940 I think that we should use genetic testing in more constructive ways. Instead of trying to determine the future, we can prevent many genetic diseases by testing the compatability of a couple before they have children. A private Brooklyn, NY based non-profit began testing for many diseases years ago, after the founders lost a few children to the disease. They ahve almost obliterated tay-sacks and other devestating genetic diseases. I think that we should use genetic testing in more constructive ways. Instead of trying to determine the future, we can prevent many genetic diseases by testing the compatability of a couple before they have children. A private Brooklyn, NY based non-profit began testing for many diseases years ago, after the founders lost a few children to the disease. They ahve almost obliterated tay-sacks and other devestating genetic diseases.

]]> By: Tammy, Berwick. LA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/04/genetic-testing/comment-page-1/#comment-482915 Tammy, Berwick. LA Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:12:54 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=18284#comment-482915 I've had several health professionals tell me over the years that I am a genetic medical nightmare. Having sad that, they have also said over and over again that I could control what happened to me regardless of the history. I used to want to be tested for juvenile diabetes genetics because the disease killed my mom at 53. Well, without genetic testing I came up in a routine check as a pre-diabetic over a year ago and knew I didn't want to die like my mom did. I have worked harder than I ever have in my life, and I beat it. I will for the rest of my life have to continue to beat it. Obviously, the genetics are there, but the rest matters more I discovered. My doctor and I are overly vigilant. And I am proof that the worst genetics in the world don't mean an automatic death sentence. I wouldn't waste the money on testing. I would, however, spend the money on a good medical history, work up, and doctor who is just as aggressive and proactive in wanting to prevent this disease as I am. I've had several health professionals tell me over the years that I am a genetic medical nightmare. Having sad that, they have also said over and over again that I could control what happened to me regardless of the history. I used to want to be tested for juvenile diabetes genetics because the disease killed my mom at 53. Well, without genetic testing I came up in a routine check as a pre-diabetic over a year ago and knew I didn't want to die like my mom did. I have worked harder than I ever have in my life, and I beat it. I will for the rest of my life have to continue to beat it. Obviously, the genetics are there, but the rest matters more I discovered. My doctor and I are overly vigilant. And I am proof that the worst genetics in the world don't mean an automatic death sentence. I wouldn't waste the money on testing. I would, however, spend the money on a good medical history, work up, and doctor who is just as aggressive and proactive in wanting to prevent this disease as I am.

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