For one, they argue that uncertainty is not really relieved by these tests because they do no indicate whether or not the person will develop the disease, and the time frame that the disease could occur. They also point out that the person who receives a positive test result may become obsessed with worrying. Even doctors point out the problems of genetic testing. Negative results can give a person a false sense of security. Just because a person has a negative test result to a specific gene mutation doesn t mean that they will not develop cancer, or another disease from other environmental or genetic factors.
Opponents also argue that consumers don t understand the meanings of the test results.
Many people are not aware that these tests only indicate the risk of developing a certain disease. Education and counseling are necessary, but there is currently a shortage of these specialists. Before I researched this topic, I had a general idea about genetic testing, but I did not realize exactly what issues people were discussing. I believe I have a much better understanding of the pertinent issues that are being debated about predictive genetic testing. After reading arguments from both sides, I have concluded that genetic tests do not provide a person with definitive results and therefore should not be used.