This essay provides a brief description of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a mutation on the APC gene (Cleveland Clinic, 2016, pg. 1). It discusses the beginning ages for FAP and some genetic testing options for said disease, including how accurate such tests are. The remaining portion of this paper explores my stated opinion on whether or not adolescents should be tested for late-onset genetic diseases, such as FAP.
A Brief Description of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Opinion Statement on Whether Gene Testing in Children is Ethical
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is an inherited mutation on the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene, which is the gene that is usually responsible for controlling the speed of …show more content…
Prior to arranging genetic testing, a counseling session is arranged with physicians and genetic counselors in the Jagelman Registries. At this session, people learn more about FAP, the implications of genetic testing and the course of action that should be taken. Once the mutation is found in a family member, it is easy and cheap to check for the mutation with other relatives who are at risk.” If there is no mutation found in a person, they do not have the disease and do not require further testing (CC, …show more content…
As the Cleveland Clinic has stated, “In its early stages, FAP has no symptoms. That is why genetic testing or endoscopic screening starting at puberty when polyps first appear is so important. The diagnosis can and should be made before symptoms and colorectal cancer occur.” In other cases, such as late-onset ovarian cancer, it is good to know before tumours and such develop, because this could mean that the afflicted person could never have children. While some people think knowing this information may lead to negative lifestyle changes, I believe taking early action and knowing before symptoms occur can be a positive and life-saving thing. Also, I can say from experience as a young adult that if I were to have a life-altering or harmful disease, I would want to know about it and any testing/treatment for it, regardless of if it is even curable. The importance of genetic testing in adolescents is great for the medical world to advance in science and
A Brief Description of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Opinion Statement on Whether Gene Testing in Children is Ethical
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is an inherited mutation on the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene, which is the gene that is usually responsible for controlling the speed of …show more content…
Prior to arranging genetic testing, a counseling session is arranged with physicians and genetic counselors in the Jagelman Registries. At this session, people learn more about FAP, the implications of genetic testing and the course of action that should be taken. Once the mutation is found in a family member, it is easy and cheap to check for the mutation with other relatives who are at risk.” If there is no mutation found in a person, they do not have the disease and do not require further testing (CC, …show more content…
As the Cleveland Clinic has stated, “In its early stages, FAP has no symptoms. That is why genetic testing or endoscopic screening starting at puberty when polyps first appear is so important. The diagnosis can and should be made before symptoms and colorectal cancer occur.” In other cases, such as late-onset ovarian cancer, it is good to know before tumours and such develop, because this could mean that the afflicted person could never have children. While some people think knowing this information may lead to negative lifestyle changes, I believe taking early action and knowing before symptoms occur can be a positive and life-saving thing. Also, I can say from experience as a young adult that if I were to have a life-altering or harmful disease, I would want to know about it and any testing/treatment for it, regardless of if it is even curable. The importance of genetic testing in adolescents is great for the medical world to advance in science and