The Top 5 Benefits of Genetic Testing
The Top 5 Benefits of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can be a tricky subject. It’s an emotional decision compounded by feelings of fear and angst, but can also provide important information. Depending on the information you receive, you may then need to decide what to do with it. Genetic testing is a deeply personal choice that can be anxiety-inducing, but comes with its advantages.
This blog discusses what genetic testing is, what it can be used for, and its benefits. For personalized advice or to order a test, contact our team at ReliaLab today.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing measures an individual’s risk of certain diseases and health conditions through a blood or saliva test. These tests can indicate a person’s likelihood of eventual diagnoses with particular ailments that can be passed down genetically from parents to children. These tests can be performed on a patient of any age, and can also be done prior to pregnancy or birth.
These tests don’t necessarily mean you will or won’t develop a certain disease. For instance, a positive result for a gene that causes cancer doesn’t mean you will definitely develop it, nor does a negative result mean you won’t.
What Can Genetic Testing be Used For?
Genetic testing can be useful to detect genetic mutations that occur within DNA. Tests can be conducted to determine if an individual is at risk for developing certain hereditary cancers, including:
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Prostate cancer
For example, breast cancer is associated with genetic mutations known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. If a person has a family history of breast cancer, they may find it useful to be screened for these mutations.
Keep in mind that regardless of what the test is searching for, carrying a gene doesn’t mean you will be diagnosed with the associated condition. Additionally, not carrying it doesn’t mean you won’t develop its associated condition.
The Top 5 Benefits of Genetic Testing
Whether somebody chooses to undergo genetic testing for themselves or before planning a family, it’s a decision that needs to be carefully considered. The possibility of certain results can increase anxiety for the individual and their families, but also include benefits like:
1. Reducing anxiety
This is why it’s such an individual choice— no two people are the same, DNA-wise and anxiety-wise. For some, having knowledge can reduce anxiety.
2. A greater understanding of one’s self
This knowledge allows for an additional level of personal health information somebody may not otherwise have access to. This is especially true for children who were adopted. In some cases, they may have no familial information and genetic testing could allow for proactive treatment.
3. The ability to make informed decisions
Genetic testing allows people to make informed decisions regarding their lifestyle, so they can lessen chances of certain conditions where lifestyle factors allow. For example, incorporating more vegetables into their diet, or getting more exercise than they had been.
4. Educating family members
For instance, an adult who was adopted as a child may find biological siblings later in life, and be able to pass on important hereditary information.
5. Family planning
Understanding the risks of certain conditions can influence the decision whether or not to start a family.
Order Genetic Testing
If you’ve been considering whether or not to have genetic testing done, we hope this article has helped in your decision-making process. At ReliaLab we offer blood and saliva testing, starting with a simple online form.
