Page 15 - 103年度醫學倫理暨人文醫學讀書心得精選集

if they had too many copies of the IBC gene. This could lead to
earlier and more effective treatment. But not all is as it should
be when is comes to incorporating new knowledge about the
role heredity plays in causing breast cancer. First, many people
who might consider using genetic testing to see if they are at
risk of diseases like inflammatory breast cancer might have
second thoughts. Fears about their loss of privacy and the
possibility of losing their insurance could scare them away
from tests that could save their lives. And second, such
regulations could wind up leaving not only those who are
tested at risk of losing their job or insurance but also anyone
who is a direct genetic relative, such as a sister or daughter.
Genetic testing unlike other forms of medical tests reveals
information not only about the person being tested but also
about their relatives whether they consent to a test or not.

There are those who will argue that if people are at risk of
getting expensive or fatal diseases, then if is only fair to let
insurance companies know about such risks. Otherwise, what is
to prevent them from loading up on health or life or disability
insurance? The researchers who have found yet another piece
in the complex puzzle of breast cancer make if imperative that
we quickly reach a consensus on what is the right thing to do
when biology and public policy collide. No one should forgo a
genetic test for fear of losing insurance.

103 醫學倫理、人文醫學、心得 5