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.

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Has there ever been a time that you were afraid to answer the question if someone had cancer or not?      Anne Madeo, M.S.: I have an M.S.in Human Genetics from the University of Michigan and currently working at the NIH as a genetic counselor since 2000. ýShe is currently the Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins University/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Training Program. I think it's hard for all health care professionals to deliver a difficult diagnosis. There are times when receiving a diagnosis, even a 'bad' one, is better than not having one. A diagnosis can validate a patient's experience of feeling sick. It can help a doctor identify a successful treatment. Finally, a diagnosis can lead to a more accurate prognosis. Brownsville Area High School in PA (9th grade student)

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