Test For Prostate Cancer Gene Soon To Be Available
From /. :
“CNN reports on a simple test to determine the presence of genes linked to Prostate Cancer. These five genes, if present, can increase the risk of prostate cancer up to nine times. ‘More than 25,000 American men will die from prostate cancer this year. But prostate cancer can be treated successfully if the disease is caught early. A blood test that can detect whether a man is at high risk for developing prostate cancer is on the horizon. The study was published in the February 28, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.’ It turns out the company actually wants to test saliva, making the test significantly easier and more convenient.”
Testing for any genetic issues is a double edge sword. Yes, if you know in advance, you can be more diligent about watching for the signs of the disease progressing. On the downside, knowing you might become ill can be even more stressful. At least if you live in the US, you insurer can’t drop you because of this new knowledge.
