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Genetic testing: what it shows and why it is needed
Genetic testing is a tool that allows you to look into the structure of your own DNA to better understand your body, its strengths, vulnerabilities, and hereditary factors. While such studies were previously part of specialized medicine, they are now becoming part of prevention, a healthy lifestyle, and a personalized approach to treatment.
«Genetic testing is not a search for a disease, but an opportunity to avoid it,» says geneticist Olena Grebenyuk. «The earlier a person learns about their congenital risks, the more time they have for prevention.».
What does a genetic test show?
Genetic tests identify mutations in certain genes that may be associated with an increased risk of:
oncological diseases (for example, BRCA1/BRCA2 — breast cancer, ovarian cancer)
cardiovascular pathologies (contain genes associated with hypertension, stroke)
metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes, fat metabolism disorders)
drug reactions (pharmacogenetics)
transmission hereditary diseases (cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, hemophilia, etc.)
You can also find out:
how the body absorbs vitamins and minerals
whether there is an increased risk of food intolerance (e.g. lactose or gluten)
What physical activity is most suitable?
Which type of nutrition — protein or carbohydrate — is more effective for your body?
«We are no longer treating the “average” person. Thanks to DNA analyses "We have the chance to choose treatment individually for each person," explains family doctor Kateryna Melnyk.
Who should get tested?
Genetic testing is recommended:
people with a serious family history (oncology, diabetes, heart disease)
for couples planning to have a child
people with an atypical reaction to medication
athletes and active people who want to learn about their potential
for everyone who wants an individual approach to health
How the test is done
Consultation with a doctor or geneticist
Material collection: saliva or blood
Waiting for the result (from 10 days to 4 weeks)
Getting a report — sometimes 40–100 pages long
Discussing the results with a doctor
Many labs offer confidential and painless testing. Most tests are done once in a lifetime—the genetic code does not change.
Limitations and ethical considerations
Not all genetic variations have clinical significance
A positive result does not mean that the disease will necessarily develop.
Information about risks can cause anxiety
Results should only be interpreted by professionals
«"A genetic report is not a sentence, but an instruction. The doctor's task is to help read it correctly," emphasizes clinical geneticist Andriy Brovarenko.
Genetic testing in real life
A person learns about a mutation in the BRCA1 gene and undergoes a preventive examination every six months.
An athlete with a genetically reduced ability to recover — choosing the right loads
A patient with impaired absorption of vitamin D changes his diet and normalizes his well-being
Genetic testing is a smart investment in long-term health. Instead of treating the consequences, we have the opportunity to prevent problems by knowing our bodies more deeply than ever before.
