As we pointed out in our blog a few weeks back, the Scripps Translational Science Institute has launched an ambitious 20-year study on how people respond to genetic test results, using the Navigenics service as a basis for the research.
Upon learning they are at increased genetic risk for conditions such as obesity, diabetes or cancer, do people start to exercise more and eat a little less? Are they more conscientious about going to the doctor at the first sign of trouble? Do they ignore the information entirely, refusing to kick their pack-a-day habit?
Previous smaller studies have found that genetic information holds promising motivational potential. Now, the Scripps study’s principal investigator, Dr. Eric J. Topol, plans to follow 10,000 adults to find out more.
He already has one very important set of results in hand—his own.
Topol had his own DNA scanned, and as he told the Los Angeles Times, the results were somewhat surprising. A long-time cardiologist, he found out he is at increased risk of heart attack. But he had no known common genetic markers for colon cancer, which he found surprising given his family history of the condition.
Study enrollment started not too long ago, but already Topol has noticed one particular group of people has been especially interested to learn what their genes might have to say about their health—those who are adopted.
“This is the first time they’ve been able to get any family history about their life, because they don’t know their parents at all—don’t know anything about their maternal and paternal blood lines,” he said.
Any adult can sign up for a Navigenics genetic test. This Scripps study, however, is only open to employees, family and friends of the Scripps Health System in San Diego.