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December 18, 2024 — Advances in technology and growing consumer interest are driving genetic testing into the mainstream, according to a study conducted by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The research, published in Frontiers in Genetics, reveals a significant increase in awareness and use of genetic tests among Americans, marking a shift toward broader acceptance.
“Genetic testing is an increasingly valuable tool for identifying a wide range of medical risks, including cancer, heart disease, neurogenetic conditions, prenatal diagnoses, and more,” said Dr. Sukh Makhnoon, lead author and Assistant Professor at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern. “While the availability of accurate and affordable tests has expanded in recent years, public awareness and medical use have grown more gradually. Our study suggests that genetic testing may now be reaching a tipping point in mainstream acceptance.”
The research team used data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey to gauge awareness and usage of genetic tests. The results showed that 81% of Americans are aware of genetic testing, with 40% having undergone at least one test — a significant rise from 75% awareness and 19% usage in 2020.
The study found that ancestry testing was the most common type of genetic test, with 72% of respondents familiar with it. Other tests, such as those for specific diseases (55%), prenatal genetic carrier testing (37%), and personal traits (25%), followed in terms of awareness. Among those who had taken a test, 23% had done ancestry testing, 16% had tested for disease risks, 8% for prenatal carrier status, and 6% for personal traits.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the use of genetic tests have narrowed, with Black (37%) and Asian (29%) respondents approaching similar usage rates as white respondents (39%), suggesting a growing trend toward inclusivity in genetic testing.
However, the study also highlighted a gap in the involvement of genetic counselors. Only 10% of clinical genetic tests were ordered by genetic counselors, who are trained to support patients in understanding the medical and psychosocial implications of genetic information. Two-thirds of tests, particularly those involving disease risk, were ordered by physicians without specialized genetic training.
“While health care providers recognize the value of genetic testing, many lack the necessary training to guide patients through the complexities of the results,” said Dr. Makhnoon. “This underscores the need for enhanced genetic education for healthcare professionals, enabling them to better support patients before and after testing, and manage care effectively once results are obtained.”
The study contributes to the growing body of research highlighting the role of genetics in disease risk identification and patient care. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for genetic testing to improve health outcomes is increasingly recognized.
“We are committed to advancing research in this rapidly growing field, unlocking new pathways for patient care and strengthening the understanding of genetics in public health,” Dr. Makhnoon added.
For more information, see the full study: Sukh Makhnoon et al., “Awareness, use, motivations and methods of accessing genetic testing in 2022 in the United States,” Frontiers in Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1462831.
