Your genes, your privacy

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008

When National Institutes of Health researchers offer screening for genes linked to breast or colon cancer, about a third of people eligible for the testing typically say no. Most patients say they fear that if tests show they have a genetic predisposition to cancer, they'll have trouble getting or keeping health insurance.

Soon, that shouldn't be a worry anymore. President Bush is set to sign a bill today -- the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act -- that will bar employers or health insurers from penalizing anyone because of genetic testing or because they have a family history of a particular disease. People will be free to be tested without worrying that the results could cost them their job or health insurance.

The issue is increasingly relevant....