• WBST 92.1 FMMuncie
  • WBSB 89.5 FMAnderson
  • WBSW 90.9 FMMarion
  • WBSH 91.1 FMHagerstown / New Castle
Indiana Public Radio, a listener-supported service of Ball State University
Listen Live Online. Tap to open audio stream.

Genetic Health Risk Tests Come With Some Considerations

By Jill Sheridan, IPB News | Published on in Family Issues, Health, Statewide News
(Hanno Böck/Wikimedia Commons)
(Hanno Böck/Wikimedia Commons)

Record numbers of people have received genetic testing kits as holiday presents this year.  But as Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Jill Sheridan reports, the tests that assess health risk come with many things for a person to consider.

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.

“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. “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.”

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.

She says environment and behavior also influence risk.