{"id":82,"date":"2025-05-13T08:00:50","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T15:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/npedge\/?page_id=82"},"modified":"2025-06-23T14:26:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T21:26:34","slug":"ethical-issues-in-genetics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/npedge\/ethical-issues-in-genetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Ethical Issues in Genetics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ethical Issues in Genetics<\/span><\/h1>\n

This module has three sections, direction to consumer genetic testing, what is genetic discrimination, and population based screening for hereditary cancer.<\/p>\n

Estimated time: 3 hours and 34 minutes<\/p>\n

1. Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Introduces the phenomenon of direct-to-consumer testing (DTC) and discusses issues and challenges. Makes use of a DTC case study to illustrate these.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • \n
      \n
    • Understand the nature and scope of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Compare the risk and benefits of direct-to-consumer tests compared to physician or NP-ordered genetic testing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Formulate a plan on how you might respond when patients ask you about DTC testing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      2. What is Genetic Discrimination?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Introduces and defines the phenomenon of genetic discrimination. Reviews Canadian legislation around genetic discrimination.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Learning objectives<\/h3>\n
        \n
      • \n
          \n
        • Describe genetic discrimination<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Understand the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Review the Genetic Discrimination Observatory<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          3. Population Based Screening for Hereditary Cancer<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

          Introduce the topic of population-based genetic screening in adult populations using the example of BRCA1\/BRCA2 genetic testing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          Learning objectives<\/h3>\n
            \n
          • \n
              \n
            • To define population genetic screening.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
            • To relate the Wilson and Jungner principles of screening to genetic screening.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
            • To evaluate advantages and challenges of population genetic screening for adult-onset conditions using BRCA1\/BRCA2 gene testing as an example.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

               <\/p>\n