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DNA Test to Predict Cancer Risk

$300 test: a blessing or a curse?

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2008 12:23 PM CST
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(Newser) – A DNA test that can help predict a man's risk of developing prostate cancer is expected to be available later this year for as little as $300. It's the first glimpse of what's likely to be a revolution in medical testing to provide patients a window into their possible future. The information may save lives—or lead to unnecessary procedures and a lifetime of worry, reports the New York Times.

The test analyzes saliva or blood samples to identify gene abnormalities that significantly increase prostate cancer risks—but can't determine which men are more likely to need aggressive treatment. “It’s the boutique medicine of the future—we can know what diseases we will have to face the rest of our lives," said one specialist. "To me, it's a nightmare. We are just feeding off  this cancer phobia.”

A radiation therapist prepares to treat a prostate cancer patient for radiation treatment (East Valley Tribune AP)
A radiation therapist prepares to treat a prostate cancer patient for radiation treatment (East Valley Tribune AP)   (AP)
A medical team at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, monitors a prostate cancer procedure on an ultrasound screen. A new DNA test may predict who develops cancer and who does not.
A medical team at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, monitors a prostate cancer procedure on an ultrasound screen. A new DNA test may predict who develops cancer and who does...   (KRT Photos)
A DNA test that will predict who may develop prostate cancer and who may not could be available in a few months. It is causing controversy among cancer specialists.(AP GRAPHIC)
A DNA test that will predict who may develop prostate cancer and who may not could be available in a few months. It is causing controversy among cancer specialists.(AP GRAPHIC)   (Associated Press)
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Prostate Cancer

Study that led to DNA screening
New England Journal of Medicine

Genes increase prostate cancer risk
Time

 
prostate cancer • DNA • Harvard School of Public Health • Wake Forest University School of Medicine • ProActive Genetics • Karolinska Institute • Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions • cancer screening

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Medical Panel to Men: Skip Prostate Screening

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