Opinion: At-home genetic testing may be convenient, but it isn’t complete
Genetic testing can be lifesaving, but it must come with all the facts and professional support. A mail-order kit just can't do that.
Home delivery for everything from fresh produce to custom-selected clothing has become a way of life for many Americans. While most home-delivery conveniences are generally changing our lives for the better — giving us more time and choices — at-home genetics kits that reveal information about the risk of developing certain cancers represent a risky step in our on-demand culture.
The FDA recently gave 23andMe to sell the for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are linked to serious risks of developing cancer. All a buyer has to do is ship a saliva sample to the company. Six to eight
