Genetic Health Risk Tests Come With Some Considerations

Record numbers of people purchased direct-to-consumer genetic tests this holiday. While ancestry tests still dominate the market, tests that determine health risks are becoming more popular.  

These tests can identify genetic variants related to higher risk of cancer or Alzheimer’s. 

Indianapolis genetic pathologist, Dr. Gail Vance, says she’s had an increased number of people contact her about these tests. She says it’s important to know what the test will tell you. 

"The other aspect of that information, particularly with the health information, is family information so you may find out for yourself but should or shouldn’t you share this information with your family," says Vance. 

Vance also says people should read the fine lines to make sure the company will not share their information and that the results are reliable.  

"The other thing I will tell is a negative test doesn’t mean you are out of the woods, and a positive test doesn’t mean you will get this disorder, because a genetic test is only part of the puzzle," says Vance. 

She says environment and behavior also influence risk.