Have you had a DNA test for Ancestry & Disease risk before?

[haydensydney]

My friend, who is known for getting me great [read: unusual] gifts, got me a DNA test for Christmas, through 23andme.com.

I got the kit, spat into a test tube and off it went to the US. A few weeks later I got the results... and some very interesting results! The ancestry side is extremey interesting and will appeal to those who are interested in genealogy (in that it compares your DNA with other people and if there is something in common, the website will advise you that member XYZ is a 3rd - 5th cousin, for example). Some of the medical things are interesting also, and somewhat relieving, to know that I don't have the genes for parkinsons or any other nasty genetic diseases.

So my question to the group is - would you want to know the contents of your DNA, your disease risk / health traits and ancestry?
If not, why not?
If so, have you had one done and were you surprised by your results?

 

[rechoboam]

I will answer in detail from my computer later. But ftdna for example do ancestry NOT disease risk.
I found when my ancestors left Africa and where they settled - the area that is now turkey. I matched to my actual ethnic group and was a precise match to my dad! Thank goodness...

 

[simongr]

Not sure I want to know my genetic risk given that it is just that - a risk factor rather than an actual statement of what will happen. I would be interested in the genetic side though - some strange combinations of names in the background.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Got one for my Dad for his 50th a few years ago (Ancestry).

Send the swab off to the USA, get results a month or so later.

Interesting.

 

[haydensydney]

But ftdna for example do ancestry NOT disease risk.

Correct, I used 23andme.com not Family Tree DNA - 23andme.com does map genetic risk for diseases whereas Family Tree DNA is the more 'official' DNA Genealogy resource.

 

[medhead]

Nothing like what you did, I have a pretty rare genetic muscle condition so I did some specific testing for that before my second child was born to determine the risk of passing it on.

I'd be interested in the family side of this testing, I'm not sure about the risk of illness.


Sent from the Throne (80% chance) using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[QF WP]

One of my best friends, who lives in NZ, was part of a 60 Minutes NZ story on these genetics testing, as her father got early onset Parkinsons (early 50's) and she agreed to be tested as part of the story. Was riveting viewing.

With my background in insurance and a family history of cancer, I'd be interested to know whether I had markers that gave me a predisposition to certain illnesses...as I age, it becomes more pertinent.

 

[casanovawa]

Yeah I would probably be up for it, how much did it cost???I am very much of the view these days that I don't want to take the chance of waiting till my 60's and maybe/maybe not being in good physical/mental condition to travel and get out and enjoy life, so have decided to do it every year from now on... But would be handy to know if that is even more valid by understanding if i have greater risks for something debilitating in the future, i certainly wouldn't wast any time doing what i would love to do...I also have a health issue that does have a genetic component, would like to know if i have passed it on to my son if there is anyway to tell, so can look out early and treat if possible...

 

[yo yo ma]

My brother's child tested positive for being a cystic fibrosis carrier and my brother found out he was positive too. Then I got tested and found out I am also a carrier for the gene. My wife was tested who was thankfully negative and our three kids are fine! If my brother hadn't have told me, I wouldn't have even known I was a carrier for the gene.

 

[haydensydney]

It costs about $99 for the basic, but $199 for 12 months worth of prepaid updates also (as in, when more research comes out re: genetic findings, they compare your DNA to the new results and you get ongoing updates). After the 12 months, it's $9/month or something like that.

An example is:

Decreased Risk

Name	Confidence	Your Risk	Avg. Risk	Compared to Average
Alzheimer's Disease	4 Stars​	4.9%	7.2%	0.69x

Typical Risk

Name	Confidence	Your Risk	Avg. Risk	Compared to Average
Obesity	4 Stars​	63.4%	63.9%	0.99x

Drug Response

Name	Confidence	Status
Response to Hepatitis C Treatment	4 Stars​	Reduced

Traits

Name	Confidence	Outcome
Alcohol Flush Reaction	4 Stars​	Does Not Flush
Bitter Taste Perception	4 Stars​	Can Taste
Earwax Type	4 Stars​	Wet
Eye Color	4 Stars​	Likely Brown

Ancestry
Paternal Haplogroup: R1b1b2a1a2f*
R1b1b2a1a2f* is a subgroup of R1b1b2, which is described below.

Locations of haplogroup R1b1b2 circa 500 years ago, before the era of intercontinental travel.

R1b1b2 is the most common haplogroup in western Europe, where its branches are clustered in various national populations. R1b1b2a1a2b is characteristic of the Basque, while R1b1b2a1a2f2 reaches its peak in Ireland and R1b1b2a1a1 is most commonly found on the fringes of the North Sea.

​

 

[medhead]

I also have a health issue that does have a genetic component, would like to know if i have passed it on to my son if there is anyway to tell, so can look out early and treat if possible...

I had my condition for many years UN diagnosed. I eventually had it diagnosed but it was many years before children came along. Anyway, we talked to the paediatrician about it and they put us into contact with a professor in the right field. A blood test later we get the news and fairly easy. So I would suggest talking to your GP about genetic counselling in the first instance.

 

[drron]

Well I have had genetic testing-like medhead because I have an inherited disorder though of iron absorption.
You do have to be careful.Mine is a recessive gene meaning I got a copy from each of my parents.On being told they both denied being responsible-I knew I was adopted was my reply!
Family testing though can certainly be fraught with danger and should be done with good advice from a geneticist.
My condition has been extensively studied and basically proves I am of Celtic origin.Mrsdrron on the other hand although of similiar heritage has a form of the gene most commonly found in italy.Those pesky Romans leaving their jeans behind!