Testing Children Early for Family History of Diseases and Disorders

A recent article, Europe Calls for Earlier Genetic Tests on Children, discusses that Europe guidelines are recommending that children receive genetic DNA testing as soon as possible if there is a family history for a disorder or disease.  The European Society of Human Genetics strongly urges that children receive the genetic DNA testing if the possible inherited disease or disorder is treatable or preventable.

One of the thoughts brought up in the article is if it is necessary to test children if a family inherited disease doesn’t usually have an onset until adulthood such as breast cancer.  Of course, it would be useful to know if someone is predisposed to suffering from breast cancer but it might not be useful to know at such an early age.

The focus on genetic DNA testing in Europe is a positive step in the future of genetic testing overall.  While the United States offers genetic testing, there isn’t a nationwide recommendation for it.  It is usually offered on an individual basis for people who are concerned about their children or themselves.  Many people may not even think about getting genetic DNA testing unless a professional brings it up.  With a nationwide recommendation such as the one in Europe, many more Americans may take advantage of this valuable testing tool for disease and disorders.

Testing children early for adult onset diseases may help them take steps as soon as possible to prevent the disease.  It also ensures that the parents have done everything in their power to give their children the health information they need to combat medical issues.  Another positive of testing children for the genetic marker of an adult onset disease is that young adults may not be concerned about it and by the time they are, they may already be suffering from it.

If you were in Europe, would you be in favor of this recommendation and follow it?  Of course, it’s still your choice if you want to have your children tested but with this reminder about the usefulness of the test and preventing health issues, would you be able to turn your head and decline it?

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamedmasoumi/887185164/)

June 8th, 2009 by Marcelina Hardy | Posted in DNA Testing, Genetics and Health, Genetics and Society | (0)