Genetic Testing Moving into the Mainstream, UTSW Study Finds
Genetic Testing Gains mainstream Acceptance in the U.S.
Dallas, TX – December 17, 2024 – Genetic testing, once a niche field, is rapidly becoming mainstream in the United States, according to a new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center. researchers found that awareness and usage of genetic tests have significantly increased in recent years, driven by factors like ancestry research and growing clinical referrals.
The study,published in Frontiers in Genetics,analyzed data from the 2022 Health Facts national trends Survey. A striking 81% of Americans reported being aware of genetic testing,with 40% having undergone at least one test.This represents a ample increase from 2020, when awareness stood at 75% and usage at 19%.
“Genetic testing is an increasingly valuable tool for identifying a wide range of medical risks,including cancer,heart disease,neurogenetic conditions,and prenatal diagnoses,” said study leader sukh Makhnoon,Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of public Health and the harold C. Simmons Thorough Cancer Center at UT Southwestern. “While the portfolio of accurate, affordable tests has expanded in recent years, growth in awareness among both individuals and the medical community has been incremental. Our study demonstrates that genetic testing may finally be reaching mainstream acceptance.”
Ancestry Leads the Way
Among the various types of genetic tests, ancestry testing emerged as the most popular, with 72% of respondents expressing awareness and 23% reporting having used such a test.This was followed by testing for specific diseases (55% awareness,16% usage),prenatal genetic carrier testing (37% awareness,8% usage),and personal trait testing (25% awareness,6% usage).
Closing the Gap: racial and Ethnic Disparities Narrow
Encouragingly, the study also revealed narrowing racial and ethnic disparities in genetic testing usage. Black (37%) and Asian (29%) respondents where almost as likely as white participants (39%) to have undergone at least one genetic test.
The Role of Genetic Counselors
Despite the growing popularity of genetic testing, the involvement of genetic counselors remains limited. Only 10% of all clinical genetic tests were ordered by these specialists,who are trained to provide patients with crucial information and support before,during,and after testing.
“while other healthcare providers recognize the benefits of testing, they may not have the training to help patients understand and adapt to the medical or psychosocial consequences of genetic information,” Dr. Makhnoon explained. “Our findings suggest that the medical community should emphasize the importance of continued genetic education for health care providers to strengthen their skills in supporting patients before and after testing – and better manage ongoing care once results are known.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Shaped by Genetics
Dr. Makhnoon emphasized the importance of continued research in this rapidly evolving field. “This is a fairly new field of research, but one that is growing rapidly in importance due to technological advancements and the possibility of unlocking new pathways to patient care,” he said. “We are committed to continuing our efforts to enhancing the understanding of genetics through future research.”
this research was funded in part by a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant (P30CA142543).
Mainstream Medicine: Genetic Testing Gains Traction in the U.S.
Dallas, TX – Genetic testing is stepping out of the shadows and onto center stage in the United States. New research from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals a important surge in awareness and utilization of these tests, signaling a shift towards personalized healthcare.
The study, published in Frontiers in Genetics, analyzed data from the 2022 Health Facts national trends Survey. Key findings include:
Widespread Awareness: 81% of Americans are familiar with genetic testing, a marked increase from 75% in 2020.
Booming Usage: 40% of Americans have undergone at least one genetic test, double the rate observed in 2020.
Ancestry Leads the Charge: Ancestry testing remains the most popular type, with 72% of respondents aware and 23% having used such a test.
Closing the Gap: Racial and ethnic disparities in genetic testing usage are shrinking.
* Limited Counselor Involvement: Only 10% of clinical genetic tests are ordered by specialized genetic counselors.
Dr.Sukh Makhnoon, lead author and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern, emphasizes the potential of genetic testing to revolutionize healthcare.
“Genetic testing is valuable for identifying risks for various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurogenetic disorders. This expanding field offers personalized insights and empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards their health,” states Dr. Makhnoon.
While the study highlights positive trends, it also underscores the need for greater integration of genetic counselors in the testing process.
Dr.Makhnoon stresses the importance of comprehensive patient support: “Healthcare providers need proper training to guide patients through the complexities of genetic information and its implications.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Makhnoon emphasizes the need for continued research in this rapidly evolving field. “Technological advancements are constantly unveiling new possibilities, paving the way for a future shaped by a deeper understanding of genetics and its impact on personalized medicine.”