Colorectal Cancer News

Genetic Testing in Children for Adulthood CRC Risk

New tests are now able to predict not only the likelihood for childhood illnesses, but also the likelihood of a child’s health risks for certain illnesses into adulthood. Tests can determine the child’s disposition for common adult-onset chronic diseases like lung cancer, skin cancer, heart disease, and colon cancer.

In a survey conducted by Georgetown University, researchers polled over 200 parents-to-be about whether they would be willing have their child tested. They also asked the parents what they thought the benefits were of having the child tested. Results showed that parents who perceived that their child might be at risk for the adult diseases were more likely to have their child tested.

References:
Parents-to-be favor genetic testing for unborn children. WorldNow. 2011 April 28.

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