Description
Book SynopsisOffers a template that can guide individuals and families through the decision-making process and offers additional resources where they can gain more information.
Trade Review"Dr. Zallen has a unique talent for translating complicated scientific and ethical matters around genetic screening into understandable concepts that families and individuals can use to make decisions about risk and testing." -- Abbey S. Myers * founder and former president of the National Organization for Rare Disorders *
"New genetic tests are being developed and offered at a dizzying pace, considerably outstripping the ability of most practicing physicians, let alone the general public, to understand how best to use them. Doris Teichler Zallen here offers a valuable guide, informed by both a thorough grasp of the underlying genetic science as well as the actual experiences of others who have faced difficult decisions to be tested or not." -- Howard Brody, MD, PhD * University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston *
"Doris Teichler Zallen provides readers with a refreshingly honest and carefully researched up-to-date discussion about the utility and limitations of predictive genetic testing. Seamlessly woven throughout the book are candid first-person accounts from diverse men and women—individuals who vividly describe both their positive and negative experiences associated with genetic testing—making this a captivating book that broadens our minds while touching our hearts." -- Elizabeth M. Petty, MD * University of Michigan Medical School *
"With rapidly changing developments in genetic resesarch, new information is needed on a regular basis, and Zallen's well-written, reasonably priced volume is the perfect answer. The guidance here will go a long way toward helping individuals make the choice that is right for their own personal circumstances. Essential." -- Tina Neville * Library Journal *
"The book's rich discussion of ethical issues will provide a sound knowledge base for readers ranging from patients and their families to advanced undergraduated to health care providers. This is an exceptional resource that this reader could not put down. Highly recommended." * Choice *
"Dr. Zallen has a unique talent for translating complicated scientific and ethical matters around genetic screening into understandable concepts that families and individuals can use to make decisions about risk and testing." -- Abbey S. Myers * founder and former president of the National Organization for Rare Disorders *
"New genetic tests are being developed and offered at a dizzying pace, considerably outstripping the ability of most practicing physicians, let alone the general public, to understand how best to use them. Doris Teichler Zallen here offers a valuable guide, informed by both a thorough grasp of the underlying genetic science as well as the actual experiences of others who have faced difficult decisions to be tested or not." -- Howard Brody, MD, PhD * University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston *
"Doris Teichler Zallen provides readers with a refreshingly honest and carefully researched up-to-date discussion about the utility and limitations of predictive genetic testing. Seamlessly woven throughout the book are candid first-person accounts from diverse men and women—individuals who vividly describe both their positive and negative experiences associated with genetic testing—making this a captivating book that broadens our minds while touching our hearts." -- Elizabeth M. Petty, MD * University of Michigan Medical School *
"With rapidly changing developments in genetic resesarch, new information is needed on a regular basis, and Zallen's well-written, reasonably priced volume is the perfect answer. The guidance here will go a long way toward helping individuals make the choice that is right for their own personal circumstances. Essential." -- Tina Neville * Library Journal *
"The book's rich discussion of ethical issues will provide a sound knowledge base for readers ranging from patients and their families to advanced undergraduated to health care providers. This is an exceptional resource that this reader could not put down. Highly recommended." * Choice *
Table of ContentsList of Figures and Tables
Preface
Important Note
Introduction: Genetic Tests Are Different
A Brief Overview of Susceptibility-Gene Testing
Am I at a Higher Risk for This Disease than Other People?
Will the Test Give Me Useful Information?
Is This the Right Time in My Life to Be Taking This Test?
Will the Advantages Gained from Having the Genetic Information Outweigh the Disadvantages?
Decisions, Decisions
Deciding about Other Types of Genetic Tests
The Future of Genetic Medicine
Appendix. A Brief Introduction to Genetics
Glossary
Resources
Index
