The Need to Build Trust: A Perspective on Disparities in Genetic Testing

摘要

In screening or risk assessment testing, there exists the potential to improve health outcomes through early detection of genetic variation. For some conditions, such as breast cancer, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholester-olemia, preventive measures may be taken. The benefits of genetic testing become more apparent as evidence mounts, and at the same time we are increasingly aware that many racial and ethnic groups have limited access to these services. The resulting low participation in genetic services by minority groups poses tangible problems not only for minority individuals but also for genomic medicine as a whole, diminishing the availability of clinically useful data necessary for relevant and complete services and research to improve services.