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Genetic Testing Argumentative Essay

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My opinion is that the genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 shouldn’t be taken by teenagers. I think this because logically the genetic testing isn’t stating directly how it can pinpoint a problem. The genetic test won’t state what cancer you are in risk of. The genetic test will only tell you if you have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are good to know but aren’t worth the risk of the genetic testing. I believe as teenagers we aren’t in the state of mind to make a life changing decision on whether we should take the genetic test or not. Legally considering we can’t make many decisions as a teenager anyway, why should we be allowed to decide if this is a test we want to participate in? I simply believe if it is…show more content…
To understand these things you have to know the definitions of BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. With the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes you are likely to develop a type of cancer before the age of sixty. With that being said, any changes in either of these genes can cause a higher risk of developing some type of cancer. The two most known cancers to develop from BRCA1 and BRCA2 are breast cancer and ovarian cancer . Genetic tests are being developed to catch BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Genetic testing involves taking a sample of blood, saliva, or tissue in order to analyze someone’s genes. Either way you try to do genetic tests, it involves collecting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). BRCA1 and BRCA2 are hereditary genes, meaning it’s best to check family members catching where the genes were mutated. Genetic testing is suggested by experts to only be had if the presence of the harmful BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are detecting in you or your family. If genetic testing shows signs of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, it is best to talk with a genetic counselor. The genetic counselor will most likely go on to…show more content…
Male or female, if you have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene, you risk the chance of passing 50 percent of the mutation off to a relative or your offspring. The genetic testing can benefit you by giving you a relief on future experiences with cancer possibilities. The after thoughts of a positive genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be mind wrecking. The thoughts of the risk for cancer can lead to emotional stress, depression, or maybe even anxiety. It has been said by experts that women who have these genes can develop a second cancer in the same area. A harmful mutation in BRCA1 and BRCA2 can damage DNA. Taking medicines such as tamoxifen or raloxifene are used to treat BRCA1 and BRCA2 or shall I say lower chances of cancer with these genes. These medicines can reduce the risk of breast cancer for up to 20 years from five years of taking them. If breast cancer is developed, a yearly mammogram (MRI) is taken to monitor the cancer and keep up with the stages of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes . If ovarian cancer is developed, you will most likely have to have your ovaries taken out after the age of thirty five. Women who have their ovaries removed before the menopause stage not only
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