• Question: What is genetic testing?

    Asked by to Dave, Ditte on 27 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Ditte Hedegaard

      Ditte Hedegaard answered on 27 Jun 2014:

      Hi 11jtollit

      Genetic testing is when you look at the genetic codes in a person. There are a lot of different tests available, one of them is genetic testing for breast cancer. Scientists have recently found out that the genetic code of 2 genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 can predict how likely the person is to get breast cancer. The actress Angelia Jolie recently had genetic testing done for breast cancer. Unfortunately, the test showed that she had the genetic code for potentially developing breast cancer and have a 87% risk of developing this cancer. She therefore decided to have both of her breasts surgical removed to minimise the risk.

      Doctors can also do genetic testing of the baby before it is born to find out if they have diseases like Down or Turner syndrome. This information might be useful so the doctors know if the baby needs special care once it is born.

    • Photo: Dave Baker

      Dave Baker answered on 27 Jun 2014:

      Looking at specific regions of the genome to look at what version of the gene is present… the good or the bad. As the human genome in particular is understood more and more there will be more NHS screens which will utilise genetic testing. The question is, is that information any benefit to the patient if the underlying health issue is incurable????????

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