Genepod - Weighing the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of population-wide genomic screening

Direct-to-consumer genetic/genomic testing is rising in popularity and at the same time research shows medical genetic testing targeting only at-risk populations might miss people who can benefit from testing. In a recent study published in GIM, researchers considered the pros and cons of offering genomic screening to all young adults in a single-payer healthcare system. They found the screening was highly cost-effective and would reduce cancer deaths by more than 30 percent. There are many caveats to implementation of such an approach, however. In June's GenePod, host Cynthia Graber talks with study author Dr. Paul Lacaze about the research and the ethical implications of offering population-wide genomic screening. Related article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41436-019-0457-6