Comments on: Eye on DNA Podcast Interview: Huntington’s Disease

By: 10 Reasons NOT To Take a DNA Test

10 Reasons NOT To Take a DNA Test — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:34:06 +0000

[...] accept the results of a genetic test that does not confirm your pre-existing beliefs. For example, a person with a family history of Huntington’s disease may be shocked to find that they do not carry the HD gene [...]

By: American Journal of Medical Genetics Special Issue on Children and Genetics

American Journal of Medical Genetics Special Issue on Children and Genetics — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:18:12 +0000

[...] genetic testing for Huntington disease (HD) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) (See Eye on DNA interview of Kathy Flake whose mother had [...]

By: Eye on DNA Headlines for 23 October 2007

Eye on DNA Headlines for 23 October 2007 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:27:07 +0000

[...] Medicine Blog hosts Grand Rounds Vol 4, No 5. My podcast interview with Kathy Flake about genetic testing for Huntington’s disease was one of only 15 that were included which “best reflected the variety of ways prognosis [...]

By: Maureen

Maureen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:15:34 +0000

It’s good to know about the laws. I hope they do go into effect soon because I’m sure insurance companies would be very eager to get this data and use if for their benefit.

I can see that there will be an increasing demand for more genetic counselors. I hadn’t even thought about that aspect. Thanks for pointing it out.

By: Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD

Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:04:59 +0000

Hi Maureen! Great to hear from you. There are laws in the US and UK that aim to protect people from genetic discrimination. I expect that these laws will come into effect no later than 2-3 years from now.

As for ignorance is bliss, I can definitely identify with that. It’s a personal choice that needs to be supported by a lot of knowledge and guidance. Unfortunately there aren’t enough genetic counselors to go around! Hopefully that will change soon.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:48:02 +0000

Thank you for that very thought-provoking podcast. I can understand why Kathy wanted to know if she had Huntington’s Disease or not and I can only imagine her immense relief to find out she tested negative for it.

My concern with genetic testing is if insurance companies find out the results. The repercussions could mean that people would be unable to get health insurance or be charged exhorbitant fees.

I also wonder if there is a case for not knowing because it would be so traumatic to find out you are definitely going to develop a disease. It could be argued that ignorance is bliss.

Ultimately, I think it should be a personal choice.