SCREEN TESTING
IMAGINE FINDING you carry genes for diseases like cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis and dozens of others, after your doctor has failed to diagnose you despite years of pain and symptoms. Or learning your risk level for traits like lactose intolerance and your sensitivity to various medications. Personal genetics companies like EasyDNA in Toronto and Futura Genetics in Vancouver are transforming the way we access our health information. For a few hundred dollars (and a vial of spit), you can mail away for a detailed report based on an analysis of hundreds of thousands of genetic variations.
There’s been a lack of legal protection, however, against genetic discrimination in Canada. Scottish physician Margaret McCartney also expressed con- cerns in the BMJ about the harm this genetic information can do if consumers lack the expertise to interpret it properly. (Also disturbing: a CBC Marketplace investigation last year found that DNA reports can differ depending on which company you use.) But Anne Wojcicki – co-founder of California-based 23andMe, which markets to Canadians – is convinced we all have a right to our own genetic information.
Canada is now on track with proposed Bill S-201: Genetic Non-Discrimination Act. The bill, which was passed by the Senate and moved to the House of Commons at press time, will make it illegal for anyone to be forced to have a genetic test or share test results before they can make a purchase, use a service or keep a job. —Lisa Bendall