Why DNA Testing Service Sells High in US But Not UK?
Thanks to the pressure group Gene Watch - a not-for-profit group which concern about the impact of human genome that leads to massive marketing scams. They put the blame on the poor regulation of genetic tests which misled people to real risk about their health. Gene Watch emphasizes on all aspects of genetic technologies including genetic testing of humans.
Running a DNA testing services in UK is extremely hard as compared in US - as 23andMe was critically condemned by UK experts.
The first “eye-opener” article that I read from Gene Watch is about Genetic Horoscopes - prediction and prevention of diseases based on DNA make-up which includes consultation on clients’ lifestyle, medication and daily diet that would be customized to their individual genes. Gene Watch has proven some of these services are just merely “gimmicks” or dangerous myth.
Needless to say, there are common problems of detection of inherited diseases via DNA testing that all of us concern (link):
- The results could produce a lot of needless anxiety.
- Not everyone benefits from genetic testing.
- There are ethical considerations.
It is so important to become a DNA testing literate in order to weigh pros and cons of having a DNA test. I suggest that education is the key solution to undermine Genetic Horoscope problems.
