The Conversation

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DNA testing can tell us whether we’re at risk of developing certain diseases that run in families, including some types of cancers and heart disease. This is a good thing because people who know they’re at higher risk can then take actions to reduce that risk. They can have regular check-ups, and in certain circumstances might consider preventative medications or surgeries.

Screening everyone’s DNA could improve the health outcomes of the whole population. As technology improves, the cost of DNA screening declines, and the Australian government invests in genomics, universal DNA screening is becoming feasible.

But will people actually want to know if they’re at risk of developing disease? As Paul Lacaze and Jane Tiller write, this is an exciting prospect that could in the future save many lives. But at the same time, it raises some difficult ethical questions.

Phoebe Roth

Assistant Editor, Health+Medicine

Screening millions of healthy people for their risk of disease can be cost-effective. But it raises ethical and regulatory concerns. from www.shutterstock.com

Population DNA testing for disease risk is coming. Here are five things to know

Paul Lacaze, Monash University; Jane Tiller, Monash University

As DNA testing becomes cheaper, it becomes more feasible to screen large numbers of healthy people for their risk of disease.

From the archives: genetic testing

Explainer: what is pre-pregnancy carrier screening and should potential parents consider it?

Gina Ravenscroft, University of Western Australia; Nigel Laing, University of Western Australia; Royston Ong, University of Western Australia

Most of us will be carriers of recessive genes that cause disease. If our partner carries the same gene we could pass it on to our kids. Testing exists, but what are the pros and cons?

Should doctors share gene tests after a death in the family?

Loane Skene, University of Melbourne

When a family member dies from a disease caused by a genetic mutation, doctors have to decide whether to share the deceased person's test results with the rest of the family.

Why we should test everyone’s genes to predict disease

Anna Vinkhuyzen, The University of Queensland; Naomi Wray, The University of Queensland

If you could take a test that would reveal the diseases you and your family might be more likely to get, would you want to do it?

Five things to consider before ordering an online DNA test

Jane Tiller, Monash University; Paul Lacaze, Monash University

Online genetic testing promises many things. Some are the stuff of fantasy, while others, even if scientifically feasible, still carry risks. Consider these five things before ordering a test.

Indigenous health package

Being separated from their children affects the mental well-being of Aboriginal mothers in prison. ChrisMilesProductions/Shutterstock

Aboriginal mothers are incarcerated at alarming rates – and their mental and physical health suffers

Sacha Kendall, University of Technology Sydney; Eileen Baldry, UNSW; Elizabeth Sullivan, University of Newcastle; Juanita Sherwood, University of Sydney; Stacey Lighton, University of Technology Sydney

Aboriginal mothers in prison feel intergenerational trauma and the forced removal of their children are the most significant factors impacting their health and well-being.

Following the deaths of an alarming number Indigenous young people earlier this year, Australian leaders were urged to declare a ‘national crisis’. Shutterstock

Australia has been silent on Indigenous suicide for too long, and it must change

Julia Hurst, University of Melbourne

Policies aimed at reducing youth suicide will fail if they don't acknowledge the cumulative effects of history, associated intergenerational trauma and ongoing violence towards Indigenous Australians.

Aboriginal Australians want care after brain injury. But it must consider their cultural needs

Beth Armstrong, Edith Cowan University; Juli Coffin, Telethon Kids Institute

The absence of Indigenous Australians in rehabilitation services has created the belief they don't want therapy. The reality is they want services which better meet their cultural needs.

The long and complicated history of Aboriginal involvement in football

Roy Hay, Deakin University

With the AFL's indigenous round about to take place, it's important to recognise the full history of Indigenous involvement in the sport, including the many obstacles players faced.

Expert answers to serious, weird and wacky questions

Curious Kids: why do we lose our baby teeth?

Mihiri Silva, Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Your teeth started to grow even before you were born.

Curious Kids: why do we sigh?

David Farmer, University of Melbourne

A sigh is the brain's way of stopping the tiny sacks in your lung from collapsing.

Top picks from the week

The majority of people in Australia who haven’t had all the vaccinations they need are adults. From shutterstock.com

Health Check: are you up to date with your vaccinations?

Lucy Deng, University of Sydney; Kristine Macartney, University of Sydney; Nicholas Wood, University of Sydney

There are many reasons adults might not be up to date with the vaccinations they need. Catching up is easy enough, and vitally important in the fight against infectious diseases.

 

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