Being able to start treatment early can lead to longer life or at least a longer period of health for those who have inherited certain genetic disorders. Genetic testing can also lead to better risk management and more informed decisions. When a gene is discovered that is a risk factor for a disease, such as heart disease, knowing that the risk is there will often help persuade a patient to take better care of himself and lessen other risk factors for that disease, for example by exercising, eating right, and quitting smoking. It also adds to the information a patient has for making decisions about treatment or prevention options. When a person finds out he or she is a carrier for a disease like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, there is a decision to be made whether or not to have children with someone else who carries the faulty gene and risk having a child with the disease.
Genetic testing is useful for identification.
It can be used to identify the remains of people whose bodies are damaged to the point where other identifying features are unavailable. It is also used in police departments to help identify the criminal or exonerate an innocent suspect in cases of rape or murder where DNA evidence is left behind. Using genetic testing in this way will help grieving families find closure and help our court system to work with better accuracy. There are many ways in which genetic testing can improve the quality of our lives, from improved diagnosis of diseases, earlier treatment, and better risk management, to the peace of mind that comes with knowing the right person is behind bars, or the closure that comes from knowing that a loved one is truly gone. These are things that help us lead healthier, more productive lives.