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Online Genetic Testing Appears to Have Benefits

The online test examined in this study assessed the presence or absence of the GSTM1 gene. The absence of the gene has been associated with a slightly increased risk of lung cancer. Half the smokers in the study were missing the gene, and all of them correctly identified themselves as "higher risk." Of those with GSTM1, 55 percent accurately identified themselves as "lower risk," while 41 percent interpreted their results as "average risk."

The patterns of accurate interpretation remained six months after the participants received their genetic test results, which suggests that they retained the information, the study said.

According to the researchers, the participants said they found the test results to be believable, trustworthy, easy to understand, relevant and important. Those who learned they had a higher genetic risk for lung cancer did have a short-term decrease in confidence that quitting smoking could reduce their risk of lung cancer. However, all the participants decided to use at least one of several smoking cessation aids.

The study is published in the July issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

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Alison Beaver

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