2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
| 102 |
As of now, we do not know wether or not cancer is genetic or caused by evironmental factors. If it is genetic is there anyway for us to do a non invasive test on a fetus to predetermine the infant's chance at developing cancer at a later date?
| |
Emily Edelman, M.S.:
I am a genetic counselor who coordinates multiple projects at a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education in genetics to healthcare providers. I work with other genetic counselors, scientists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, bioethicists, patient advocates, and other health professionals. I have experience in providing genetic counseling to individuals with a family history of cancer, and other rare and common conditions.
This is a question that includes multiple mini-questions! You are correct, most cancers are caused by a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors, and we do not fully understand how all of these factors play a role in cancer development just yet. However, there are some kinds of cancer that we do understand to be more strongly genetic. An example here would be breast cancer or ovarian cancer related to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome.
If one member of a couple has a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, it is technically possible to test an embryo or fetus for these mutations, but there are important ethical considerations related to such a decision. At this time, there are no NON-invasive options to screen for BRCA-related cancer syndromes, or risk of other cancers, in a fetus. Scientists are investigating non-invasive fetal diagnosis for other specific conditions, which will be clinically available in the next few years. |
| Peru High School in IN (11th grade student) |
|
