Unraveling Your DNA's Secrets
Do-it-yourself genetic tests promise to reveal your risk of coming down with a disease. But do they really deliver?
By Nancy Shute
Posted 12/31/06
Page 7 of 7
Predictive. A few tests can help gauge the odds of having a familial version of a disease.
Diagnostic. Genes can reveal or confirm inherited diseases such as sickle cell, as well as rare disorders.
Genetic testing is getting faster and cheaper. Many tests require only a painless cheek swab to obtain your DNA.
CHARLIE ARCHAMBAULT FOR USN&WR
Nutrigenomic or nutrigenetic. Sold as offering customized nutritional advice, but they're questionable.
Pharmacogenetic. Doctors now use genes to tailor cancer treatments to the individual patient. More are in the works.
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