Genetic counseling for the public?
The widespread availability of diagnostic tools for numerous inherited diseases requires diligent decision-making regarding the risks and benefits, not only for the individual but also at the population level. Should therefore genetic counseling be offered to the entire population at risk for genetic diseases? In our opinion, the goals of public health may only be reached by serving primarily the individual at risk and his/her family. Efforts in public health genetics should be focused on appropriate genetic counseling, especially regarding common diseases with complex genetic components in the near future.
Kunstmann
Erdmute
E
Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
Epplen
Jorg T
JT
D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / Q000235:genetics; D065729:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9; D003657:Decision Making; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011634:Public Health; D018570:Risk Assessment
C450260:CYP2C9 protein, human; D065729:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9; D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases