Genetic testing as a tool for preventing childhood diseases

Genetic Testing

How far will parents go to secure a better life for their child? Genetic testing has the potential to improve the lives of all human beings. By testing the genes of newborn, or even unborn children, parents and doctors can learn a lot about the predispositions the child might have towards certain conditions. This information can prove to be valuable in terms of setting out a course in life that can minimize the risk the child might have. There are, however, some legitimate concerns about the use of genetic testing, especially in unborn children. However, when used properly, genetic testing can be a valuable medical tool. Genetic testing should be used by parents to improve the health of their children.

Prevention of Future Diseases

Genetic testing provides information about genetic defects that we all carry. This information describes the predispositions that individuals have to specific conditions. With this knowledge, parents can guide their children towards choices that will result in improved lives (Stein, 2012, 1). For example, children predisposed to obesity can be guided to sports at an early age, and taught better dietary habits. Children predisposed to skin cancer can see reduced sun exposure at an early age. Pakenham (n.d.) also notes that this knowledge can help scientists to find cures for these ailments, and for doctors to diagnose them more quickly in people, leading to better treatment. These are examples of how genetic testing can be used to help reduce the risk of future diseases and conditions, thereby improving the quality and length of life of the child.

Too Costly?

At present, genetic testing is a relatively costly procedure. This implies that the costs of the testing will outweigh the benefits to the child, especially since those benefits will occur decades later in life. However, the cost of genetic testing is declining, such that it is becoming increasingly affordable. In addition, when good habits are adopted early in life, the benefits can begin to accrue early. Avoiding obesity, alcoholism and other conditions that are negatively correlated with success in life can help the child from the outset to live a better life.

Benefits

Genetic testing has considerable benefits to most people. Clearly, the more information that one has about him or herself or child, the more the likelihood of better decisions being made. Genetic testing will guide people to avoid specific risk factors. Genetic testing also arms people with the knowledge that they need to make better life choices. People will learn to deal with this information as it becomes commonplace, which it most likely will. The results will be mainly positive, and will be positive for most people.

Conclusion

People should have their genes tested to ensure that they make the best choices about their lives. Armed with knowledge, people can make choices that will minimize the risks. Every person has some flaws, and it is worth remembering that these flaws are no guarantee of negative outcomes, but with more information people are freer to make better choices.

Works Cited:

Pakenham, K. (no date). Medicine and genetic research. In possession of the author

Stein, R. (2012). Genome sequencing for babies brings knowledge and conflicts. NPR. Retrieved February 15, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/03/165272373/genome-sequencing-for-babies-brings-knowledge-and-conflicts-utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121203

Stein, R. (2012) Perfection is skin deep: Everyone has flawed genes. NPR. Retrieved February 15, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/06/166648187/perfection-is-skin-deep-everyone-has-flawed-genes