In the world today cancer is a frequently conferred issue. From treating cancer, to curing it, to preventing it. Most people understand the basics of cancer but do not know anything about the molecular genetic side of it. Although there are many reasons for someone to develop cancer that is not linked to genetics, there are many reasons that are linked to genetics. Among woman in the United States ovarian caner is the fifth leading cause of cancer related deaths ("BRCA1 & BRCA2 "). “Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries, the egg-releasing and hormone-producing organs of the female reproductive tract. Cancerous, or malignant, cells divide and multiply in an abnormal fashion” (“Saunders”). On of the causes of ovarian cancer is a mutation in
…show more content…
Some of the benefits to someone who gets genetically tested for the BRACA1/2 gene mutation include, finding out if they have the mutation of not. Which eliminates the questioning and wondering that they’d be doing otherwise. For those whose genetic test showed up negative for BRAC1/2 mutation may include relief and happiness. They would also avoid expensive procedures and unnecessary appointments. For someone whose test showed up positive, it could give them insight on what to do, for example they could plan more frequent visits and check ups to keep an eye out for any cancer. Although the benefits can be very good, there are also many negatives to look at. The main one being finding out you do have the mutation and the cancer is already present and consequently it being too late for treatment. Another negative to genetic testing is that one might have the mutation but that does not guarantee that they will develop cancer at all in their lifetime, it just heightens the risk of getting cancer. That could result in someone questioning and being worried the rest of their life if they have cancer or not. The cost of genetic testing is also a negative factor, some insurance companies do not cover the entire price, which can ranch form $100-$2,000 (Ovarian Cancer). In today’s society people are also worried about employers and insurance companies using genetic tests in their advantage, to raise prices and in …show more content…
Personally I think if someone wants to have genetic testing done than they should be allowed. It should be 100% confidential if they choose to proceed with or without the testing. The same goes for if they do not want to have it done and have a family history of some disease. It should not be detrimental to their everyday life. In a study done by Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto they concluded that, “women with high grade serous ovarian cancer acknowledge the personal and clinical utility of genetic testing and support test implementation at the time of cancer diagnosis. Also having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer was significantly associated with preferring genetic testing at an earlier time point in the disease course” (Fox). That being said I think everyone has their own opinion, and I believe it is up to the person and how they feel personally about genetic testing. During genetic testing nothing is changed and no one is hurt, scientist are just looking for a mutation, therefore I do not believe it is unethical compared to genetic
Some of the benefits to someone who gets genetically tested for the BRACA1/2 gene mutation include, finding out if they have the mutation of not. Which eliminates the questioning and wondering that they’d be doing otherwise. For those whose genetic test showed up negative for BRAC1/2 mutation may include relief and happiness. They would also avoid expensive procedures and unnecessary appointments. For someone whose test showed up positive, it could give them insight on what to do, for example they could plan more frequent visits and check ups to keep an eye out for any cancer. Although the benefits can be very good, there are also many negatives to look at. The main one being finding out you do have the mutation and the cancer is already present and consequently it being too late for treatment. Another negative to genetic testing is that one might have the mutation but that does not guarantee that they will develop cancer at all in their lifetime, it just heightens the risk of getting cancer. That could result in someone questioning and being worried the rest of their life if they have cancer or not. The cost of genetic testing is also a negative factor, some insurance companies do not cover the entire price, which can ranch form $100-$2,000 (Ovarian Cancer). In today’s society people are also worried about employers and insurance companies using genetic tests in their advantage, to raise prices and in …show more content…
Personally I think if someone wants to have genetic testing done than they should be allowed. It should be 100% confidential if they choose to proceed with or without the testing. The same goes for if they do not want to have it done and have a family history of some disease. It should not be detrimental to their everyday life. In a study done by Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto they concluded that, “women with high grade serous ovarian cancer acknowledge the personal and clinical utility of genetic testing and support test implementation at the time of cancer diagnosis. Also having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer was significantly associated with preferring genetic testing at an earlier time point in the disease course” (Fox). That being said I think everyone has their own opinion, and I believe it is up to the person and how they feel personally about genetic testing. During genetic testing nothing is changed and no one is hurt, scientist are just looking for a mutation, therefore I do not believe it is unethical compared to genetic