Understanding Genetic Screening: Harnessing Health Information to Prevent Disease Risks

Overview

Journal Int J Med Sci

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2025 Feb 24

PMID 39991772

Authors

Chung-Lin Lee

Chih-Kuang Chuang

Huei-Ching Chiu

Ya-Hui Chang

Yuan-Rong Tu

Yun-Ting Lo

Hsiang-Yu Lin

Shuan-Pei Lin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Genetic screening analyzes an individual's genetic information to assess disease risk and provide personalized health recommendations. This article introduces the public to genetic screening, explaining its definition, principles, history, and common types, including prenatal, newborn, adult disease risk, cancer, and pharmacogenetic screening. It elaborates on the benefits of genetic screening, such as early risk detection, personalized prevention, family risk assessment, and reproductive decision-making. The article also notes limitations, including result interpretation uncertainty, psychological and ethical issues, and privacy and discrimination risks. It provides advice on selecting suitable screening, consulting professionals, choosing reliable institutions, and understanding screening purposes and limitations. Finally, it discusses applying screening results through lifestyle adjustments, regular check-ups, and preventive treatments. By comprehensively introducing genetic screening, the article aims to raise public awareness and encourage utilizing this technology to prevent disease and maintain health.

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