Over the past decade, genetic tests have become available for a wide
variety of disorders. As a result we are able to predict, with some
degree of certainty, whether or not an individual will develop such
diseases as breast cancer, Huntington's disease, polycystic kidney
disease, and familial adenomatous polyposis. The ability to predict
disease poses several unique ethical considerations for clinical
decisionmaking regarding the provision of genetic testing. Patients
must be able to comprehend the complexities of genetic testing and the
potential meaning of the results. Patients must consider the emotional,
social, and economic consequences of revelations regarding their risk
status. Also, obtaining information on risk status may have
implications for persons other than the individual seeking genetic
testing.