Cystic Fibrosis Gene
Cystic Fibrosis Gene
Predicting disease on the basis of biological markers, such as serum
cholesterol concentration or blood pressure, is not new; the ability to
predict disease using DNA is. As the scope for genetic testing extends
beyond testing for single gene disorders to testing large sections of
the population for genes associated with common disorders it is
important to consider what effect this will have on individuals and on
society as a whole. Research into the psychological impact of genetic
testing in Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis, breast cancer, and
ovarian cancer has shown that an individual's decision to undergo
testing and his or her response on receiving the results are influenced
by many factors. This article discusses the nature of these factors and
the implication they have for the introduction of widespread genetic
screening.
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