[bruce511]

This is perhaps an off topic question, but I mean it seriously. What do you hope to gain from knowing your potential genetic health issues?

If the report showed you had a chance of developing say Parkinsons, how would that change your life now? Could you implement those changes regardless?

I mean, pretty much all genetic markers are just "risk". And lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking, sugar, exercise et al) seem to be well known, and "good for everything". So, knowing that, it seems like there's lots you can do regardless of genetics.

I confess, for me personally, I'm not really interested in my genetic risk factors. Much less my Neanderthal content. Hence the genuine question- what will it tell you thst you care about?

[technocrat8080]

Thanks for spurring the thought. The main reason I'd like to find out is to avoid bringing a child into the world that might suffer from incurable disease.

Largely agree with your point on preventative actions being the same with or without testing, but there is a tail end that might warrant specialized action.

[bruce511]

Sure, I get that things like Huntingtons would certainly be worth knowing about. But for genetics like that simply looking at your own previous generations would give you the answer there. (And of course, that assumes you have access to that, which clearly not everyone does.)

Having children is obviously a big responsibility, and every parent wants only the best for them. Doing genetic testing can at least feel like you've done your due diligence.

I would point out though that genetic diseases are a tiny tiny fraction of the things that can go wrong. The overwhelming majority of children turn out fine. But some don't. That's life I'm afraid. Genetic testing isn't a guarantee they'll be OK. I'd go so far as to suggest it's basically meaningless in that context (especially if you have access to parents, grandparents etc.)

However you progress, I wish you well.

[technocrat8080]

I sense the undertone here is that there's a cost to genetic testing – did I get that right? Could you expand on that philosophy?

[bruce511]

I'm not sure which one of us you're referring to, but the primary "cost" as I see it is disclosing your DNA to some 3rd party, who are then free to use that DNA, or sell it, or whatever as they like.

So, in a sense, if you use a DNA service you are essentially putting your unique DNA marker "into the world", and it can be identified to you (especially if any of our relations have also been tested.)

While there may not be any immediate implications, that DNA might be used by law enforcement, insurance companies, employers etc (either now or in the future.) So there are potentially "high costs" - we just don't know what they are yet. But this bell cannot be unrung.

Balancing this possible harm are the possible benefits. Personally, I don't really see any compelling benefits, but my goal with this reply to the original question was to determine if I was missing something.