...Genetic testing is currently available for more than 1000 conditions, and it is increasingly considered an integral component of mainstream health care (Burke, 2004). Furthermore, many genetic tests are now being marketed directly to consumers. The increased availability of genetic testing may result in a wider distribution of the benefits of testing, such as decreased uncertainty, the chance to avoid passing on a gene mutation to future generations, increased psychological well-being, and greater awareness of available treatments or risk-reducing strategies, but it may also contribute to an increase in the risks associated with genetic testing, such as decreased individual and family well-being; increased depression, anxiety, guilt, stigmatization, discrimination, and family conflict; and unnecessary or inappropriate use of risk-reducing options (Riper & Gallo, 2005). Money is maybe the most important driving force in the modern era of biotechnology. Genome and genetic findings have been given also financial value. The possibility to test for genetically-based individual susceptibility provides new ideas for marketable products. In an industrial worker, a metabolic polymorphism that causes an increased risk for cancer would create an avoidable financial burden in industry and insurance companies. The involvement of such financial aspects brings along several ethical implications in genetic research. The first aspect is the motivation of scientists that...
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...Haggard Bioethics, by definition, is the ethics of medical and biological research. There are a number of bioethical issues that are being carefully addressed as they arise. Some are easily remedied and some still remain very controversial. In this paper we will explore the use of genetic trait testing, access to genetic information as well as the issue of vaccinating or not. With regards to bioethical related data the accessing, storing, gathering, and sharing medical data for the purpose of using the data for the scientific purpose of research is still a controversial issue in the scientific community. There is no basic problem with sharing medical data electronically, with the implementation of EHR, electronic health records. However, there is yet to be formal ethical guidelines established for the use of this data in the biological sciences community. There have been guidelines introduced for developing ethical principles with the ultimate goal of winning over the scientific community to incorporate the use of this data into their existing code of ethics. The scientific community has an obligation to share this data, if permitted by the patient, for research purposes. It also can be a major factor that could increase the trust of the public with regards to scientific research. Society also had concerns about employers having access to genetic information. (Duke & Porter, 2013) With the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) employers are prohibited...
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...Institutional Affiliation: Introduction Integration of genetics into public health is essential in predicting patient risk for common diseases. Genetic research creates new information and technology that will assist in improving population health. Most of the ailments arise from the interactions among the environmental factors, human factors as well as genetics. Public health genomics will assist in disease prevention and health improvement to individuals who are at a higher risk due to their genetic makeup (Khoury, 2000). Health professionals by applying genetic research are everyday coming up with new discoveries in areas like birth defects, heart diseases and cancer improving health services for the public (Brand A, 2006). However, there is no need to allocate significant resources on genomics for public health. Resources Spent On Genomics for Public Health Significant resources should not be allocated to genomics for public health. This is because genetic research is not necessary beneficial to all individuals. It mostly applies to specific persons due to their genetic makeup. Pubic health sector can prioritize by establishing which genetic research will be most beneficial to the population as a whole. The rest of the diseases are left out since their effects are not adverse. There is also the risk of possible misuse of genetic information (Laberge, 2004). Newborn genetic screening discovers treatable genetic disorders in newborn babies. Newborn screening for phenylketonuria...
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...PERCEPTIONS OF GENETIC TESTING AMONG HISPANIC FAMILY MEMBERS OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS Objective: To provide a preliminary description of the interest, awareness, and perceptions of genetic testing among Hispanics with a family history of breast cancer Design: This cross-sectional pilot study used interpersonal structured interviews for data collection. Participants: We interviewed 48 Hispanics without breast cancer but who had a family member with breast cancer; participants lived in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Main Outcome: The outcomes were interest in breast cancer genetic testing, awareness about genetic testing, perceived risk of carrying a breast cancer susceptibility gene, and the perceived benefits and risks associated with a genetic test. Measures: Items previously used in research regarding interest and perceived genetic risk and a previously validated benefits and riskslimitations scale for genetic testing commonly used by other researchers were used to measure the outcomes. Results: Awareness of genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility was very low, yet most (82%) participants were interested in a genetic test for breast cancer susceptibility. Participants were more likely to identify with the benefits than the potential risks of genetic testing. The most highly endorsed benefits were to know to take better care of one’s self and to undergo more frequent screening. Conclusions: Hispanics seem to have positive perceptions about genetic testing for breast...
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...nondirective counseling. It has no requirement to value-neutrality. The counselor’s values are expressed to undermine patients’ ability to make decisions for them. Autonomy respect in genetic counseling requires no greater circumspection about values than in any other counseling in health care (Robert Wachbroit & David Wasserman, 1995). Value neutrality is argued to be neither possible nor desirable but arises from conceptions of fewer objectives and less suitable values for public discourse. Nondirectiveness requires the counselor to adopt the most effective methods in ensuring that the choices of the patients about genetic testing are well informed and voluntary. Patients should be made to understand and appropriately respond to the results of genetic tests and diagnoses. The nondirective approach stipulates that the appropriate response is the one from the patient herself as long as it results from the fact that she understands the facts and reflects her values truly. Nondirective genetic counseling ensures that patients are well aware of genetic risks and their freedom of choosing whether or not to go for testing and ways of responding to positive test results. This is the respect for patient autonomy. On the contrary, value neutrality...
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...Genetic testing is a scientific process in which an individual’s DNA can be screened for mutations or variations that may cause certain diseases or dysfunctions. It is my opinion that standard genetic testing for disease or the predisposition to disease is purely beneficial. Having clear answers as to whether or not a person may carry a higher risk for some diseases may in fact save their life, or the lives of their current or future children. However, over the years of development of the science, more and more controversial types of testing have developed. In this paper, the science of genetic testing will be introduced by going through a brief history, the different types of genetic testing available, as well as the controversies that surround them. History Genetic testing had a very positive and productive start. The first usage of Genetic Testing occurred over half a century ago, beginning with the testing of infants for PKU, or Phenylketonuria, “an inborn error of metabolism in which an amino acid buildup in the blood causes mental retardation.” (Lewis) To test infants, a drop of blood was taken from their heel while at the hospital after birth. If a child was found positive for PKU, dietary treatment was used to prevent loss of brain function. Testing was reliable and results were accurate. The disease being tested for was easily treatable, and every child that came through was tested without a problem. (Lewis) In the 1970’s, doctors began the process of testing...
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...There a number of factors pertaining to genetic mapping and testing for future health problems that can create dilemmas for both the patient and the health care providers. There is always uncertainty and numerous variables when genes pose the probability of predisposition to certain diseases. As to the procedure in which this problem is addressed one needs “To uncover the patient’s genetic background.” In cases of certain types of cancer, for example, there are four specific traits that suggest it is a wise course to take upon genetic testing of the patients’ family members. This is possible in 60% to 95% of the families of cancer patients. The predictions of genetic testing can reduce apprehension and uncertainly of the tested patient. This predictive genetic testing can be a stress reduces for those who have a family history of hereditary disease. Profound anxiety may occur when gray shades pertaining to the uncertainty of a gene cells propensity to carry a serious disease exists within the family history. This stressful mental frame of is a dilemma unto itself, so psychological counseling may be necessary for some patients. Psychological counseling may apply for ton’s illnesses such as hunting disease (a neuro degenerative disease) as well as certain hereditary forms of cancer and some hereditary heart diseases. “The psychological counseling should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the disease.” A disease with no known care such as Huntington’s disease needs...
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...The Limits on Genetic Testing There are many arguments out there that need have the concerns of many Americans including the one that will be presented today. The biggest one in the world of science and technology is possibly genetic testing. Genetic testing has so many possibilities in the today’s society that there are legal, social, and ethical problems that allow it to stay at bay. There is fine line that should be drawn when it comes to genetic testing especially when it comes to healthcare and when it leads to vanity. Genetic testing examines a person's genetic code by using a sample of blood or other body fluids/tissues, for health or medical identification purposes; it’s also a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins (Genetic Testing). The Human Genome Project, human cloning and stem cell research are all part of this group. Genetic cloning is the reproduction of a new organism that is, at all stages of development, genetically virtually identical to a currently existing, or previously existing, being (Clone). Stem cell is an unspecialized cell that gives rise to a specific specialized cell, such as a blood cell, and they have the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells (Stem Cell). The Human Genome Project was an international research effort to determine the sequence of the human genome and identify the genes that it contains. The Human Genome Project formally began in 1990...
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...Genetic Testing and the Human GMO The controversies surrounding genetic testing, patenting and the modification of genes both as used in disease treatment and genetic enhancement are on the verge of becoming larger realities. I Intro The initial draft of the Human Genome project is now completed, giving access to the DNA sequences of a human. But it is not the genetic information that is shared that has come under the greatest degree of interest. Rather, the estimated .001% of variance in the genetic code is the subject of recent and expanding controversy; it is our difference not similarities that are most subject to controversy. One such controversy involves the genetic screening of potential employees, to spot potential problematic areas in their genetic make up. Similarly insurance companies may screen clients before deciding what category of clientele to put them in based on genetic risk factors. But the greatest controversies come with the fact that our genetic make up is alterable. There is substantial research being done on how human diseases can be treated using genetic procedures to replace faulty genes, but who stands to profit from this and what are the potential risks? Furthermore, can a treatment based on human genetic information (which is shared by all) be subject to the same patent laws as are other commonly used medicinal tools and methods? And perhaps the most controversial is the prospect of enhancing humans using genetically fostered techniques...
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...Genetic and Reproductive Sciences Abstract This paper is based on genetic and reproductive science and their benefits and limitations regarding individuals, families, and society. The paper covers the screening and treatment for diabetes and what methods are used to prevent it development. The paper also contains information regarding In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and its benefits for individuals and families. The use stems cells and its advantages and disadvantages are also mentioned. Analyze the benefits and limitations of genetic and reproductive sciences for individuals, families, and society. The benefit of genetic science for individuals is that it can determine if the person has a possible genetic disorder and give them a better chance at preventing the disorder from becoming active, monitor the disorder, or treat the disorder. For example, diabetes is a genetic disorder that can be discovered through genetic testing. Lifestyle changes such as exercising and lowering their body mass index (BMI) can prevent someone for developing diabetes, and the testing can monitor diabetes if a person develops it. Diabetes can also be treated by the use of insulin and dieting if monitored correctly. The limitation of genetic science for individuals is the emotional outcome of the test results. Some people may get upset and begin to feel guilty, depressed, or even become anxious once they receive their results (Cho, et al., 2012). The benefits of genetic science...
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...Garrett Explanation of how modern genetic technology may lead to personalized medicine. By using DNA technologies such as stem cell research and cloning manipulate human genes. Patients with common disease genetic abnormalities and even spinal injuries may use genetic technology to create personal medicine that may be able to improve and prolong life. An individual risk for common disease would be determined by a genetic profile created from this technology. To create a medical profile tailored to specific DNA characteristics of each patient doctors may use modern genetic technology. The genetic profile would determine treatment and/or preventative care according the effects of a particular disease or patient’s reaction to a certain medical treatments. Discuss the benefits of personalized medicine. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in some cancers can be provided by personalized medicine. The use of personalized medicine will allow doctors to develop a more precise treatment based on each patients modern genetic technology because cancer is such a complex disease and effects each individual differently. Genetic diseases affect an estimated 12 million Americans, yet according to a survey of 1,000 people conducted by the Genetic Disease Foundation (GDF), while two-thirds of those surveyed were willing to and saw the benefits of undergoing genetic testing, close to 80 percent had never talked to their physician about genetic screening – an inconsistency that can...
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...others screened for up to 36 conditions (Timmermans and Buchbinder 1). In the nonfiction novel Saving Babies? The Consequences of Newborn Genetic Testing, by Stefan Timmermans and Mara Buchbinder, they had stated that many states had started to do genetic screening within those 30 years, but not all states had decided to do all conditions for genetic screening. Critics argue that not many states agree that checking all conditions is necessary. Professionals have agreed that, just to be safe, when having genetic testing done, all conditions should be checked. Genetic testing is an effective way to check diseases on unborn babies. When having...
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...Ethical Dilemmas of Genetic and Reproductive Sciences One of the biggest ethical debates surrounding genetic and reproductive sciences is abortion. When parents decide to have genetic testing done, the results may require them to make a decision whether continue with the pregnancy or to terminate. Even for a wanted pregnancy, the decision to terminate a baby who has the potential for a disability is devastating and stressful. There are arguments against prenatal testing and abortion regarding the ethicality. Arguments generally revolve around fetal rights and disability rights (Stapleton, 2017). According to Stapleton (2017), the option for abortion may be provided based on the results of genetic testing, therefore, being unethical in...
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...Genetic counseling Above the last few years, research and developments in genetics have exceeded our potentials and have changed the approach of thinking of us about health. We know genetics has been involve in newborn screening, pre and postnatal diagnosis, hematological disorders and solid tumour, nearly every disorder is subject in by an individual’s genetic material. Consequently, it is important to consider the effect of genetics for any disorder during a patient’s life. Each disorders have different genetic pattern, and how much genes contribute to disease remains to be learned. Advance development in understanding the genetic changes in these disorders allows early diagnostic tests, advance treatments, or interventions to prevent disease...
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...| | | | | | | Genetic IssueEmploying Genetic Markers to Improve Diagnosis | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Melanie Fortin | Genetic Issue Employing Genetic Markers to Improve Diagnosis I chose a topic related to genetic markers and its use to improve diagnosis of tumors. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC327311/-EmployingGeneticMarkerstoImproveDiagnosisofThyroidTumorFineNeedleBiopsy)Dec2011. This topic is an important topic in the world of public health at the moment. However, it really is a topic that hit close to home recently. I was diagnosed with a right thyroid nodule in February. Since it was large enough, it required a fine needle aspiration. This prompted me to further investigate my options once I got the results that it was highly suspicious for Hurthle cell neoplasm. While reading this article, I wanted to better understand if I had other options than surgical removal of my thyroid to obtain the definite benign/malignant diagnosis. This well written article raises the awareness of how commonly the public has to undergo surgical removal of a nodule in order to get a definite diagnosis. Genetic markers have been identified to aid in the diagnosis of certain of these thyroid carcinomas. The study demonstrated that “71% of unnecessary surgical procedure could be avoided”, but that also “22% of cancers would be missed”. Although I did not know much about genetic markers as it related to thyroid...
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