Understanding Genetic Screening: Harnessing Health Information to Prevent Disease Risks

Abstract

Genetic screening analyzes an individual's genetic information to assess disease risk and provide personalized health recommendations. This article introduces the public to genetic screening, explaining its definition, principles, history, and common types, including prenatal, newborn, adult disease risk, cancer, and pharmacogenetic screening. It elaborates on the benefits of genetic screening, such as early risk detection, personalized prevention, family risk assessment, and reproductive decision-making. The article also notes limitations, including result interpretation uncertainty, psychological and ethical issues, and privacy and discrimination risks. It provides advice on selecting suitable screening, consulting professionals, choosing reliable institutions, and understanding screening purposes and limitations. Finally, it discusses applying screening results through lifestyle adjustments, regular check-ups, and preventive treatments. By comprehensively introducing genetic screening, the article aims to raise public awareness and encourage utilizing this technology to prevent disease and maintain health.

I. Introduction

A. The Importance of Genetic Screening

Genetic screening occupies an increasingly important position in modern medicine and personal health management. The following points illustrate the significant implications of genetic screening:

1. Early Identification of Health Risks: Genetic screening can detect an individual's risk of developing certain diseases before clinical symptoms appear. This provides valuable time for early intervention and prevention, which helps improve disease prognosis and reduce the disease burden on individuals and society ¹.

2. Personalized Medicine and Prevention Strategies: The results of genetic screening provide key information for medical professionals, helping them formulate medical and prevention plans tailored to individual characteristics. This precision medicine approach can improve treatment efficacy, reduce adverse reactions, and optimize the implementation of preventive measures ².

3. Family Risk Assessment: Many diseases are hereditary, and the results of genetic screening are of great significance for the health management of both the person being screened and their family members. After identifying the risk of familial diseases, family members can take appropriate preventive and monitoring measures to detect and treat potential health problems early ³.

4. Reference for Reproductive Decisions: Genetic screening can help prospective parents understand their risk of carrying genetic diseases, providing an important reference for reproductive decisions. This helps reduce the incidence of genetic diseases in offspring and improve the health level of newborns ⁴.

5. Promoting Scientific Research and Medical Progress: The large amount of data generated by genetic screening provides valuable resources for scientific research. By analyzing these data, researchers can gain in-depth understanding of the genetic basis of diseases, discover new disease markers and therapeutic targets, and promote medical progress and innovation ⁵.

In summary, genetic screening plays an important role in disease prevention, personalized medicine, family health management, reproductive decision-making, and scientific research. As technology advances and applications become more widespread, genetic screening is expected to play an even greater role in protecting human health and improving quality of life.

B. The Main Purpose and Content Overview of This Article

This article aims to comprehensively introduce the general public to knowledge related to genetic screening, enhancing people's awareness and attention to this advanced technology. Through easy-to-understand explanations and analysis, the article hopes to help readers understand the importance of genetic screening in personal health management and disease prevention, and provide practical guidance and suggestions.

The content of the article covers various aspects of genetic screening. First, the article will explain the basic concepts of genetic screening, including its definition, principles, and development history, providing readers with the necessary theoretical foundation ⁶. Next, the article will introduce several common types of genetic screening in detail, such as prenatal screening, newborn screening, adult disease risk screening, etc., helping readers fully understand the application fields of genetic screening ^7,8.

When elaborating on the benefits of genetic screening, the article will emphasize its important value in early detection of health risks, formulation of personalized prevention strategies, assessment of risks for family members, and assisting reproductive decision-making ⁹. At the same time, in order to make the content objective and comprehensive, the article will also analyze the limitations of genetic screening, such as the uncertainty of interpreting results, potential psychological and ethical issues, and challenges in privacy protection ¹⁰.

In addition, the article will provide readers with practical advice and guidance, including how to choose reliable genetic screening institutions and how to interpret and apply screening results ¹¹. Through this content, the article hopes to help the public make informed decisions and fully realize the positive role of genetic screening.

In summary, through comprehensive, in-depth, and practical introductions, this article will enhance the public's cognitive level of genetic screening, encouraging more people to actively learn about and utilize this advanced technology to provide strong support and protection for the health management of individuals and families.

The originality of this article is reflected in the following aspects: First, we comprehensively and systematically review various aspects of genetic screening from a public health and healthcare policy perspective, providing a holistic view. Second, we focus particularly on the application of genetic screening in personalized health management, which is a rapidly developing emerging field. Finally, we delve into the ethical and social challenges faced by genetic screening, providing important references for future policymaking.

II. What is Genetic Screening?

A. Definition of Genetic Screening

Genetic screening utilizes molecular biology techniques to detect specific genetic variants in an individual's DNA that may be associated with genetic diseases or disease risk ¹². Medical professionals can assess an individual's risk of developing certain diseases or diagnose genetic diseases by analyzing these results ¹³.

Specifically, genetic screening typically includes the following steps: First, DNA is extracted from the individual's blood, saliva, or other tissue samples. Next, various molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, are used to analyze the target gene regions and detect specific genetic variants. Finally, professionals assess the individual's health risks or diagnosis based on the test results and other clinical information ¹⁴.

Genetic screening has a wide range of applications and purposes, including newborn screening, prenatal screening, adult disease risk assessment, pharmacogenetic testing, etc. ¹⁵. These screenings help with early detection of genetic diseases, prediction of disease risks, guidance for treatment plan formulation, and assistance with reproductive decisions ¹⁶.

In general, genetic screening is a powerful tool for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment by analyzing an individual's genetic information. As genomic knowledge deepens and technology advances, genetic screening is expected to play an increasingly important role in personalized medicine and public health ¹⁷.

B. Principles of Genetic Screening

The principles of genetic screening are based on the diversity of the human genome. Our genome contains many variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variations (CNVs), insertions and deletions (Indels), etc. ¹⁸. Certain variants may affect gene function and thus be associated with specific diseases or disease risks ¹⁹. Genetic screening assesses an individual's risk of developing certain genetic diseases or makes a diagnosis by detecting these key variants.

The specific principles of genetic screening involve a variety of molecular biology techniques. Currently, the most commonly used methods are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing ²⁰. PCR is a rapid and sensitive DNA amplification technique that selectively amplifies the target gene region by using specific primers and detects variants within it. DNA sequencing is a more comprehensive and high-throughput method that determines the exact sequence of DNA fragments and identifies various variants within them ²¹.

In recent years, with the rapid development of genomics, new screening technologies have emerged. For example, microarray technology can simultaneously detect thousands of SNPs in a single experiment, greatly improving screening efficiency ²². Another important advancement is the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which can quickly and economically sequence the entire genome or exome, providing a powerful tool for more comprehensive and in-depth analysis of genetic variants ²³.

In summary, the principle of genetic screening is to use various molecular biology techniques to detect key variants in an individual's genome that are associated with diseases, thereby assessing disease risk or making a diagnosis. As technology continues to advance and genomic knowledge becomes increasingly rich, genetic screening will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in personalized medicine and disease prevention.

C. Mechanisms of Genetic Diseases

Genetic diseases are primarily caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes ²⁴. Chromosomal abnormalities, such as the absence of some or all chromosomes, are referred to as aneuploidy ²⁵. Changes or mutations in genes are the root cause of many hereditary diseases ²⁶. For example, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, and cystic fibrosis are all caused by mutations in specific genes ²⁷. Often, a child needs to inherit the same defective gene from both parents to be affected. This inheritance pattern is known as autosomal recessive inheritance ²⁸.

However, the mechanisms of genetic diseases are not always so simple. Some genetic diseases may involve the interaction of multiple genes, or the interaction between genes and environmental factors ²⁹. Moreover, epigenetic modifications can also affect gene expression, thereby influencing the occurrence and development of diseases ³⁰.

Understanding these mechanisms of genetic diseases is crucial for genetic screening. It not only helps us determine screening targets but also aids in correctly interpreting screening results and providing more accurate genetic counseling for patients and their families ³¹.

D. Technical Methods of Genetic Screening

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

- Principle: Exponential amplification of target DNA fragments using specific primers and DNA polymerase ³².

- Application: Commonly used for detecting specific gene mutations, such as CFTR gene mutations in cystic fibrosis ³³.

- Advantages: High sensitivity, strong specificity, relatively simple operation ³⁴.

- Limitations: Can only detect a limited number of gene loci at a time ³⁴.

2. DNA Sequencing:

a. Sanger Sequencing:

- Principle: Determines DNA sequence using the chain-termination method ³⁵.

- Application: Suitable for mutation detection and verification of known genes ³⁶.

- Advantages: High accuracy, gold standard for many clinical diagnoses ³⁶.

- Limitations: Relatively low throughput, higher cost ³⁶.

b. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS):

- Principle: Massive parallel sequencing, simultaneously sequencing millions of DNA fragments ³⁷.

- Application: Whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, targeted gene panel sequencing, etc. ³⁸.

- Advantages: High throughput, cost-effective, can detect unknown mutations ³⁸.

- Limitations: Complex data analysis, high requirements for bioinformatics ³⁸.

3. Microarray Technology:

- Principle: Uses probes fixed on chips to detect specific sequences in samples ³⁹.

- Application: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) detection, Copy Number Variation (CNV) analysis ⁴⁰.

- Advantages: Can simultaneously detect a large number of loci, relatively low cost ⁴⁰.

- Limitations: Cannot detect new or rare variants ⁴⁰.

4. Digital PCR:

- Principle: Divides samples into thousands of micro-reaction volumes, enabling absolute quantification ⁴¹.

- Application: Rare mutation detection, copy number variation analysis ⁴².

- Advantages: Extremely high sensitivity and precision ⁴².

- Limitations: Expensive equipment, relatively limited throughput ⁴².

5. Long-Read Sequencing:

- Principle: Can directly sequence long DNA fragments, such as PacBio and Oxford Nanopore technologies ⁴³.

- Application: Structural variation detection, sequencing of complex regions ⁴⁴.

- Advantages: Can detect large insertions, deletions, and rearrangements ⁴⁴.

- Limitations: Relatively low single-base accuracy, higher cost ⁴⁴.

6. Epigenetic Analysis Methods:

- Principle: Detects epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation and histone modifications ⁴⁵.

- Application: Methylation-specific PCR, ChIP-seq, etc. ⁴⁶.

- Advantages: Provides information on gene expression regulation ⁴⁶.

- Limitations: High sample processing requirements, complex result interpretation ⁴⁶.

These technical methods each have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the appropriate method is crucial for accurate and efficient genetic screening. With the continuous advancement of technology, the accuracy, coverage, and cost-effectiveness of genetic screening are constantly improving ⁴⁷.

E. Development History of Genetic Screening (Table 1)

Table 1.

Development History of Genetic Screening

Period	Major Developments	Impact
1960s	Robert Guthrie develops phenylketonuria screening method	Initiated newborn screening
1970s	Discovery of DNA molecular hybridization and restriction endonucleases	Laid technical foundation for genetic screening
1980s	Invention of PCR technology	Revolutionized screening efficiency
2000s	Microarray technology and next-generation sequencing technology	Large-scale genetic disease screening and improved economy

The development history of genetic screening can be traced back to the 1960s. In 1963, American geneticist Robert Guthrie developed a simple bacterial inhibition assay for screening newborns for phenylketonuria, marking the beginning of newborn screening ⁴⁸. As molecular biology progressed, genetic screening technology continued to evolve.

In the 1970s, the discovery of two major foundational techniques in molecular biology—DNA molecular hybridization and restriction endonucleases—laid the technical foundation for genetic screening ⁴⁹. In 1977, Frederick Sanger invented DNA sequencing technology, making it possible to directly read DNA sequences, which had a profound impact on the development of genetic screening ⁵⁰.

In the 1980s, the invention and application of PCR technology brought revolutionary changes to genetic screening. PCR can rapidly and specifically amplify trace amounts of DNA, greatly improving the sensitivity and efficiency of genetic screening ⁵¹. During this period, screening for many important genetic diseases was realized, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, etc. ⁵².

Entering the 21st century, advances in microarray and gene sequencing technologies have further propelled the development of genetic screening. Microarrays can analyze a large number of gene loci simultaneously in a single experiment, making large-scale genetic disease screening and disease risk assessment possible ⁵³. The emergence of next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina sequencing and Ion Torrent sequencing, has greatly increased the throughput of DNA sequencing and significantly reduced costs, laying the foundation for more comprehensive and economical genetic screening ^54,55.

Overall, genetic screening technology has made great strides over the past half century. From initial newborn screening to now covering multiple fields such as prenatal diagnosis, genetic disease testing, and tumor gene testing, genetic screening has become an important tool in modern medicine. As genomic research continues to deepen and technology evolves, genetic screening is bound to play an increasingly important role in personalized medicine.

III. Types of Genetic Screening (Table 2)

Table 2.

Types of Genetic Screening and Their Applications

Screening Type	Main Applications	Advantages	Limitations
Prenatal Genetic Screening	Identify fetal genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities	Early detection of health problems	Possibility of false positives/negatives, psychological and ethical issues
Newborn Genetic Screening	Detect and treat newborn genetic diseases	Timely diagnosis, prevent adverse outcomes	Difficult to interpret results, ethical issues
Adult Disease Risk Screening	Assess adult disease susceptibility	Formulate preventive measures	Complex results, psychological impact
Cancer Genetic Screening	Early detection of hereditary tumors	Improve prognosis	Uncertain results, psychological burden
Pharmacogenetic Screening	Personalized medication	Improve efficacy, reduce adverse reactions	Challenges in genotype interpretation

A. Prenatal Genetic Screening

Prenatal genetic screening is an examination performed before the birth of a fetus to identify whether the fetus has a risk of certain genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities. This screening is usually performed at specific times during pregnancy and can help prospective parents understand the health status of the fetus and provide important information for subsequent medical decisions ⁵⁶.

Currently, common prenatal genetic screening methods include maternal blood Down syndrome screening, non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT), and invasive prenatal diagnosis (such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis) ⁵⁷. Maternal blood Down syndrome screening assesses the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome by measuring specific markers in maternal blood; NIPT screens for common chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus by analyzing free fetal DNA fragments in maternal blood; invasive prenatal diagnosis requires obtaining fetal tissue samples and can more accurately diagnose genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities ^58,59.

An important advantage of prenatal genetic screening is that it can detect fetal health problems as early as possible, giving families more time to prepare or, in some cases, consider termination of pregnancy ⁶⁰. However, these screenings also have some limitations, such as the possibility of false positive and false negative results, and the inability to detect certain rare diseases ⁶¹. In addition, screening results may have psychological and ethical impacts on prospective parents, so genetic counseling and support from medical professionals are needed ⁶².

In general, prenatal genetic screening provides an important tool for assessing fetal health. As technology advances and new screening methods emerge, prenatal genetic screening is expected to play an increasingly important role in prenatal care. At the same time, medical institutions and all sectors of society should also strengthen education and support for prospective parents to help them correctly understand and utilize the results of prenatal genetic screening.

B. Newborn Genetic Screening

Newborn genetic screening is an important public health measure aimed at early detection and treatment of certain genetic diseases that may endanger infant health. This screening is usually performed shortly after the infant's birth by testing the infant's blood or other tissue samples to screen for a range of genetic diseases ⁶³.

The content of newborn genetic screening varies by country and region, but usually includes some relatively common diseases that can be effectively treated, such as phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, etc. ⁶⁴. Among them, phenylketonuria is a type of amino acid metabolism abnormality that, if not treated in time, can lead to impaired intellectual development in infants ⁶⁵; congenital hypothyroidism affects infant growth and development and intelligence ⁶⁶.

One major advantage of newborn genetic screening is that it can intervene before diseases cause irreversible damage. Through timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many adverse consequences of genetic diseases can be prevented or mitigated ⁶⁴. For example, infants with phenylketonuria can develop normally if they receive a low-phenylalanine diet ⁶⁵; infants with congenital hypothyroidism can also avoid intellectual impairment if they receive thyroid hormone supplementation in time ⁶⁶.

However, newborn genetic screening also has some limitations and ethical issues. The interpretation of screening results is sometimes difficult and may bring anxiety and uncertainty to families ⁶⁷. In addition, the significance of screening results for certain genetic diseases that lack effective treatment is also questionable ⁶⁸. Therefore, the selection of newborn genetic screening items should be carefully weighed, considering factors such as disease severity, treatment possibility, and cost-effectiveness of screening.

In general, newborn genetic screening, as an important public health measure, plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases. As screening technology advances and new treatment methods emerge, the scope and effectiveness of newborn genetic screening is expected to further improve. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the ethical and social issues that newborn screening may bring, ensuring that each family can make informed choices and receive necessary support and help.

C. Adult Disease Risk Genetic Screening

Adult disease risk genetic screening aims to identify an individual's genetic risk of developing certain common diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.). By analyzing specific genetic variants, these screenings can assess an individual's disease susceptibility and help them take preventive measures ⁶⁹.

Some well-known adult disease risk genetic screening items include BRCA1/2 genes (breast and ovarian cancer risk) ⁷⁰, APOE gene (Alzheimer's disease risk) ⁷¹, etc. However, the interpretation of these screening results is often complex, and many genetic variants can only explain a small portion of disease risk ⁷². Therefore, the results of adult disease risk genetic screening should be comprehensively evaluated in conjunction with other factors such as family history and lifestyle, and appropriate genetic counseling should be provided by professionals ⁷³.

In addition, adult disease risk genetic screening also involves some ethical and social issues, such as the psychological impact screening results may have on individuals, or lead to discrimination and privacy leakage, etc. ⁷⁴. Therefore, screening institutions should strictly abide by the principle of informed consent, protect the rights and interests of those being screened, and provide them with necessary support and protection.

D. Cancer Genetic Screening

Cancer genetic screening mainly targets certain hereditary tumor syndromes, such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome, etc. These diseases are associated with specific gene mutations, and family members carrying the mutations have a higher risk ⁷⁵.

Currently, multiple cancer genetic screenings have been applied clinically, such as BRCA1/2 gene testing (breast and ovarian cancer), MLH1/MSH2 gene testing (colorectal cancer), etc. ⁷⁶. For high-risk populations, cancer genetic screening can help them detect tumors early or take preventive measures (such as prophylactic surgery), thereby improving prognosis ⁷⁷.

However, cancer genetic screening also has some limitations. The pathogenic mechanisms of many hereditary tumors have not been fully elucidated, and there is uncertainty in the interpretation of screening results ⁷⁸. In addition, positive results may bring a heavy psychological burden to those being screened, and some preventive measures (such as prophylactic mastectomy) may also have a negative impact on quality of life ⁷⁹. Therefore, cancer genetic screening should be based on evidence-based medicine and supplemented by professional genetic counseling and psychological support.

E. Pharmacogenetic Screening

Pharmacogenetic screening utilizes an individual's genetic information for drug therapy, with the aim of achieving personalized medication and reducing adverse reactions. This screening mainly targets genes related to drug metabolism enzymes, drug targets, and drug transport proteins ⁸⁰.

Some common pharmacogenetic screening items include CYP2C19 genotype (clopidogrel metabolism) ⁸¹, VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes (warfarin dosage) ⁸², TPMT genotype (azathioprine toxicity) ⁸³, etc. With the help of these screenings, clinicians can adjust drug dosages or choose alternative drugs based on the patient's genotype, thereby improving efficacy, reducing the risk of adverse reactions ⁸⁴.

Although pharmacogenetic screening has broad application prospects, it still faces some challenges at present. The clinical significance of many drug-related genes is still unclear, and there is a lack of unified standards for the interpretation and application of screening results ⁸⁵. In addition, genotype is only one of many factors that affect drug response; others such as age, concomitant medications, and liver and kidney function also need to be taken into consideration ⁸⁶. In the future, pharmacogenetic screening still requires more clinical validation and guideline development to be better utilized in clinical practice.

IV. Benefits of Genetic Screening

A. Early Detection of Potential Health Risks

One of the most significant benefits of genetic screening is that it can identify potential health risks early, even before clinical symptoms appear. This provides valuable time for taking preventive measures and early treatment, which helps improve disease prognosis and quality of life ⁸⁷.

Taking hereditary cancers as an example, individuals carrying pathogenic mutations have a significantly increased risk of developing cancer. By identifying this risk early through genetic screening, personalized screening and prevention strategies can be developed, such as increasing screening frequency, taking preventive medications, or considering prophylactic surgery in specific cases, thereby greatly reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer ⁸⁸.

For some common adult diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, early identification of genetic risks is also of great significance. This can help high-risk individuals adjust their lifestyles in a timely manner, control related risk factors, and delay or prevent the occurrence and progression of diseases ⁸⁹.

B. Personalized Medicine and Prevention Strategies

Another major advantage of genetic screening is that it can provide personalized medical and prevention strategies. The traditional "one-size-fits-all" treatment model ignores individual differences among patients, while genetic screening can "tailor" medical plans according to each person's unique genetic background and disease risk ⁹⁰.

In the field of drug therapy, pharmacogenetic screening has shown great application potential. By testing genetic variants related to drug metabolism, transport, and targets, clinicians can optimize drug selection and dosage, achieve precision medication, improve efficacy, and reduce the risk of adverse reactions ⁹¹. Some countries and regions have incorporated pharmacogenetic testing into routine clinical practice, such as the DPWG guidelines in the Netherlands and the CPIC guidelines in the United States ⁹².

In the field of disease prevention, genetic screening results can be used to develop personalized prevention strategies. For high-risk individuals, more aggressive preventive measures can be taken, such as increasing screening frequency and taking preventive medications; for low-risk individuals, unnecessary treatments can be avoided, reducing overmedication ⁹³. This risk-based prevention strategy can not only improve prevention efficiency but also save medical resources and reduce the medical burden.

C. Risk Assessment for Family Members

Many genetic diseases are hereditary, and direct relatives of patients often face a higher risk of developing the disease. Genetic screening can not only identify patients who have already developed the disease but also assess the risk of family members carrying pathogenic variants ⁹⁴. This provides an entry point for conducting family investigations and cascade screening.

Family investigations help identify high-risk families and conduct targeted screening and interventions for other members of the family, with the goal of detecting potential patients as early as possible ⁹⁵. This is especially important for some incurable genetic diseases in late stages (such as Huntington's disease), allowing family members to be aware of their risks and make life and reproductive plans early ⁹⁶.

Cascade screening takes known mutation carriers as a starting point and conducts targeted mutation testing on their blood relatives. This family-based screening strategy can maximize the identification of high-risk individuals and implement prevention and management for them, thereby interrupting the transmission of genetic diseases ⁹⁷. Some countries have incorporated cascade screening into their genetic disease prevention and control systems, such as the Netherlands' familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) cascade screening program ⁹⁸.

D. Reference for Reproductive Decisions

An important application of genetic screening is to provide a reference for reproductive decisions. Prospective parents can understand whether they carry pathogenic variants of certain recessive genetic diseases through carrier screening, thereby assessing the risk of their offspring developing these diseases ⁹⁹. This helps make informed reproductive choices.

For high-risk couples, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of their offspring developing the disease, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) ¹⁰⁰. PGD technology allows genetic analysis of embryos before implantation, screening out healthy embryos that do not carry pathogenic variants, thereby preventing genetic diseases from the source ¹⁰¹.

Although reproductive decision-making remains a complex and sensitive topic, genetic screening undoubtedly provides prospective parents with more information and choices. Through genetic counseling, professionals can help prospective parents weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that best suits their family ¹⁰².

V. Limitations of Genetic Screening

A. Interpretation and Uncertainty of Screening Results

Although genetic screening technology continues to advance, the interpretation of screening results still has uncertainties. The clinical significance of many genetic variants is still unclear, especially some rare variants and newly discovered variants, which lack sufficient population data and functional validation ¹⁰³. This brings challenges to clinical interpretation and counseling.

In addition, the expression of genetic variants is influenced by complex regulatory networks, such as epigenetic modifications and gene-gene interactions ¹⁰⁴. The phenotype of the same genetic variant may not be the same in different individuals, and this incomplete penetrance makes disease risk prediction more complex ¹⁰⁵.

Environmental factors also play an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases. Many common diseases are the result of the joint action of genetic factors and environmental factors, and genetic screening alone cannot comprehensively reflect an individual's disease risk ¹⁰⁶. Therefore, when interpreting screening results, other factors such as family history and lifestyle need to be considered, and probabilistic risk predictions should be treated with caution.

B. Psychological and Ethical Considerations

Genetic screening may have psychological impacts on those being screened and their family members. Positive results may cause negative emotional reactions such as anxiety and depression, especially for some incurable genetic diseases ¹⁰⁷. Even negative results may lead to psychological problems such as survivor's guilt ¹⁰⁸.

Informed consent is an important ethical principle of genetic screening. Those being screened have the right to know information such as the purpose, risks, and limitations of the screening, and make decisions based on their own values and preferences ¹⁰⁹. For children and adults with impaired decision-making capacity, how to balance the benefits and potential risks of screening and ensure their best interests is an issue that needs to be carefully considered ¹¹⁰.

The confidentiality and privacy protection of genetic screening results are also very important. Screening results belong to personal sensitive information, and if leaked or misused, they may lead to discrimination and bias ¹¹¹. In 2008, the United States passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), prohibiting health insurance companies and employers from discriminating based on genetic information, but legal protections in areas such as life insurance and long-term care insurance are not yet perfect ¹¹².

C. Privacy and Discrimination Issues

With the deepening of genomic research and the rise of commercialized genetic testing, genetic privacy and discrimination issues have received increasing attention. Due to the uniqueness and sensitivity of genetic information, if improperly used or leaked, it may cause irreparable harm to individuals and families.

In the clinical field, genetic screening results may affect an individual's medical experience. Some doctors may provide differentiated treatment based on the patient's genetic information, such as reducing medical investment in "high-risk" patients ¹¹³. This gene-based discrimination not only goes against medical ethics but may also exacerbate health inequalities.

In the workplace and insurance fields, genetic discrimination issues are even more prominent. Some employers may use employees' genetic information for screening and decision-making, leading to employment discrimination ¹¹⁴. Insurance companies may adjust premiums or refuse coverage based on customers' genetic risks, infringing on the right to fair access to insurance ¹¹⁵. Although some countries have formulated relevant laws and regulations, such as the GINA Act in the United States, the implementation and supervision of these laws still face challenges in practice ¹¹⁶.

In addition, with the development of the Internet and big data technology, genetic privacy faces new threats. Some commercial companies may collect, use, or sell customers' genetic data without individual consent, infringing on personal privacy rights ¹¹⁷. Hacker attacks and data leaks may also expose individuals' genetic information to risk ¹¹⁸.

In summary, genetic privacy and discrimination issues are ethical and social challenges that urgently need to be resolved in the development of genetic screening. This requires joint efforts from the government, medical institutions, commercial organizations, and the public to improve laws and regulations, strengthen supervision, raise awareness throughout society, and strive to protect individual rights and interests while fully exerting the utility of genetic screening, promoting medical fairness and social harmony.

VI. How to Choose Appropriate Genetic Screening

A. Consult Medical Professionals

Faced with a dazzling array of genetic screening products on the market, consumers may find it difficult to make informed choices. Therefore, it is crucial to consult medical professionals before undergoing genetic screening. Doctors, genetic counselors, and other professionals can assess the necessity and suitability of screening based on an individual's and family's health history, and provide authoritative opinions on the risks, limitations, and other aspects of screening ¹¹⁹.

In addition, professionals can also help interpret screening results and provide personalized health guidance. Although some commercialized screenings claim to provide reports directly to consumers, the accuracy and reliability of these reports are questionable. In contrast, conducting screening and interpretation under the guidance of professionals can maximize the utility of screening and avoid unnecessary anxiety and misguidance ¹²⁰.

B. Choose Reliable Screening Institutions

Choosing a reliable screening institution is key to ensuring screening quality and personal privacy. Consumers should prioritize medical institutions or professional screening companies that have been certified by authoritative bodies and have a good reputation. In the United States, clinical-grade genetic testing needs to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and conducted in qualified clinical laboratories ¹²¹.

Consumers should also pay attention to the privacy protection policies of screening institutions. Reliable institutions should adopt strict data security measures and commit to not selling or sharing customers' genetic information to third parties without individual consent ¹²². In addition, whether the screening institution provides adequate informed consent processes and genetic counseling services is also an important indicator of its professionalism and sense of responsibility.

C. Understand the Purpose and Limitations of Screening

Different genetic screening services have different purposes and principles. Consumers should fully understand the specific use, testing scope, and scientific basis of the screening before making a choice. Some commercialized "health risk assessment" and "dietary guidance" services may lack sufficient clinical validation, and there may be a gap between their advertised effects and actual efficacy ¹²³.

In addition, consumers should also recognize that genetic screening is not a panacea. Many diseases are the result of the joint action of genetic factors and environmental factors, and genetic risk assessment alone cannot provide exact predictions ¹²⁴. Even confirmatory genetic testing may have the possibility of false negatives or false positives. Therefore, treating genetic screening results as a reference basis rather than a determinant of health management, and maintaining a prudent attitude towards screening results, is the key to rationally treating genetic screening.

D. Pay Attention to Relevant Laws and Regulations

Before conducting genetic screening, it is crucial to understand the relevant laws and regulations. Different countries and regions may have different regulations on genetic screening, mainly involving the following aspects:

1. Informed Consent: Most countries require obtaining informed consent from subjects before conducting genetic screening ¹²⁵. This means that medical institutions need to explain in detail to the subjects the purpose, process, possible results, and their implications of the screening.

2. Data Protection: Genetic data is highly sensitive personal information, and many countries have strict data protection regulations ¹²⁶. For example, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in the United States prohibits health insurance companies and employers from discriminating based on genetic information ¹²⁷.

3. Genetic Screening for Children: Many countries have special regulations for genetic screening of minors ¹²⁸. Generally, it is considered appropriate only when the screening results have a direct impact on the child's health.

4. Quality Control: Some countries require institutions providing genetic screening services to obtain specific certifications or licenses ¹²⁹. For example, in the United States, clinical genetic testing needs to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ¹³⁰.

5. Result Reporting: Some countries have specific regulations on how to report genetic screening results to subjects, especially for results that may bring psychological stress ¹³¹.

When choosing genetic screening services, consumers should ensure that service providers comply with all relevant laws and regulations. At the same time, policymakers also need to continuously update regulations to adapt to the rapid development of genetic screening technology ¹³².

VII. Application of Genetic Screening Results

A. Lifestyle Adjustments

An important application of genetic screening is to guide individuals in adjusting their lifestyles based on their own genetic characteristics to prevent diseases and promote health. For some common chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, early identification of genetic risk factors can help high-risk populations take preventive measures in a timely manner, such as controlling diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption ¹³³.

However, lifestyle adjustments need to be based on scientific evidence and vary from person to person. The impact of different genetic variants on disease risk varies, and many diseases are the result of the joint action of multiple genes and environmental factors ¹³⁴. Therefore, when developing individualized lifestyle plans, both personal genetic background and other clinical and environmental risk factors need to be considered, and adjustments should be made under the guidance of professionals.

B. Regular Check-ups and Monitoring

For certain genetic diseases or individuals carrying high-risk genetic variants, regular check-ups and monitoring are key measures for prevention and early intervention. For example, for BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers, regular breast X-ray examinations, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transvaginal ultrasound examinations can detect breast and ovarian cancers early and improve treatment outcomes ¹³⁵.

However, formulating a reasonable check-up and monitoring plan also requires weighing the pros and cons. Overly frequent screenings may bring physical and mental burdens and medical costs, while overly long check-up intervals may miss the opportunity for early treatment ¹³⁶. Therefore, individualized check-up plans should be developed based on the specific situation of the individual, on the basis of professional guidelines, and should be regularly evaluated and adjusted.

C. Preventive Treatments or Surgeries

For certain high-risk populations, preventive treatments or surgeries can greatly reduce the incidence and mortality of specific diseases. For example, for Lynch syndrome patients, prophylactic colorectal resection can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer ¹³⁷. For BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers, prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers ¹³⁸.

However, preventive treatments or surgeries are usually invasive and may have a negative impact on quality of life, as well as the risk of complications. Therefore, before making such a major medical decision, the benefits and risks of surgery need to be fully weighed, and the patient's informed consent rights must be respected ¹³⁹. Adequate communication and joint decision-making between doctors and patients, as well as collaboration of multidisciplinary teams, are crucial for developing the optimal plan.

D. Communication and Support among Family Members

The results of genetic screening are not only relevant to the individual but also closely related to the health of family members. One person's test results may imply that their blood relatives also face similar genetic risks. Therefore, sharing screening results with family members and discussing follow-up measures are important for family health management ¹⁴⁰.

However, sharing genetic information can have complex effects on family relationships. Some people may not want to know their genetic risks, and the disclosure of screening results may bring anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems ¹⁴¹. Therefore, how to promote communication and mutual support among family members while respecting privacy and autonomy is an issue that needs to be treated with caution. This needs to be a key focus and guidance in the genetic counseling process.

VIII. Conclusion

A. The Role of Genetic Screening in Personal Health Management

In summary, genetic screening has played an increasingly important role in personal health management. It provides unprecedented opportunities for disease prediction, early diagnosis, personalized prevention, and treatment ⁴⁷. By analyzing an individual's genetic information, genetic screening can help us more accurately assess health risks, develop tailored health management plans, and achieve a "prevention-oriented, precision-implemented" health management model ¹⁴².

However, genetic screening is not a panacea. It has certain limitations and uncertainties, and brings social and ethical challenges in terms of privacy, discrimination, and other aspects ¹⁴³. Therefore, while fully affirming its value, we should also rationally recognize its limitations and treat screening results with caution. Genetic screening should be viewed as a beneficial tool and reference for health management, but not over-relied upon; it should be combined with other clinical information and risk factors, and utilized under professional guidance ¹⁴⁴.

B. Call for the Public to Raise Awareness and Attention to Genetic Screening

With the arrival of the precision medicine era, genetic screening is bound to play an increasingly important role in disease prevention and health promotion ¹⁴⁵. As workers in the medical and public health fields, we should actively promote knowledge related to genetic screening and raise the public's awareness and participation. At the same time, we should also strengthen communication with patients and the public, listen to their voices, understand their concerns and expectations, and jointly create a good social and ecological environment ¹⁴⁶.

As ordinary citizens, we should take the initiative to learn popular science knowledge about genetic screening and understand the value and limitations of this technology. Under the guidance of professionals and based on our own situation, we should rationally choose appropriate screening items ¹⁴⁷. We should also face up to the psychological impact that screening may bring, learn to communicate with family members, seek social support, and jointly cope with problems and challenges that may arise.

C. Future Development Directions of Genetic Screening

1. Popularization of Whole Genome Sequencing Technology:

- As sequencing costs continue to decrease, whole genome sequencing is expected to become a routine screening method ¹⁴⁸.

- This will provide more comprehensive genetic information, helping to discover rare variants and complex gene interactions ¹⁴⁹.

2. Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

- AI technology will help interpret large amounts of genetic data, improving the accuracy and interpretability of results ¹⁵⁰.

- Machine learning algorithms can integrate multiple data sources to provide more precise disease risk predictions ¹⁵¹.

3. Development of Liquid Biopsy Technology:

- By analyzing circulating tumor DNA in blood, earlier and more convenient cancer screening may be possible ¹⁵².

- This non-invasive technology could revolutionize early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer ¹⁵³.

4. Integration of Epigenomics:

- In addition to gene sequences, epigenetic modifications will also be included in screening ¹⁵⁴.

- This will provide a more comprehensive genetic risk assessment, especially for some complex diseases ¹⁵⁵.

5. Personalized Application of Pharmacogenomics:

- Drug response predictions based on personal genomic information will become more precise ¹⁵⁶.

- This will further promote personalized medication, improving treatment efficacy and reducing adverse reactions ¹⁵⁷.

6. Multi-omics Integrated Analysis:

- Combining genomics with transcriptomics, proteomics, and other multi-omics data for analysis ¹⁵⁸.

- This systems biology approach will provide a more comprehensive health status assessment ¹⁵⁹.

7. Application of Gene Editing Technology:

- Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR may be used to correct certain genetic defects ¹⁶⁰.

- This brings new hope for the treatment of certain genetic diseases, but also faces ethical and safety challenges ¹⁶¹.

8. Combination of Wearable Devices and Genetic Data:

- Combining physiological data collected by wearable devices with genetic information to provide real-time health monitoring and risk assessment ¹⁶².

- This will promote a more proactive and continuous health management model ¹⁶³.

9. Development of Community Genomics:

- Extending genetic screening to a wider population, especially in resource-limited areas ¹⁶⁴.

- This will help reduce health inequalities and improve global disease prevention capabilities ¹⁶⁵.

10. Improvement of Legal and Ethical Frameworks:

- As technology develops, relevant legal and ethical norms also need to be constantly updated ¹⁶⁶.

- This will involve improvements in multiple aspects such as privacy protection, data sharing, and informed consent ¹⁶⁷.

These development directions will jointly promote genetic screening towards more precise, comprehensive, and personalized directions, bringing revolutionary changes to future healthcare ⁴⁷.

D. Impact of Emerging Technologies on Genetic Screening

The field of genetic screening is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements that promise to revolutionize how we detect, interpret, and utilize genetic information. These emerging technologies are set to enhance the precision, scope, and accessibility of genetic screening, potentially transforming healthcare and personalized medicine.

1. AI-Driven Predictive Models:

- Machine learning algorithms can integrate genomic data with clinical and environmental factors to provide more accurate disease risk predictions ¹⁵⁰.

- Deep learning models have the potential to identify complex gene-environment interaction patterns, improving our understanding of disease mechanisms ¹⁵¹.

- AI can aid in interpreting the functional significance of genetic variants, enhancing the clinical utility of screening results ¹⁶⁸.

2. Integrative Genomics:

- Combining multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.) provides a more comprehensive health assessment ¹⁵⁸.

- This approach can help elucidate gene-gene interactions and epigenetic regulation, offering insights into complex diseases ¹⁵⁸.

- Integrative genomics has the potential to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets ¹⁶⁹.

3. Single-Cell Sequencing Technology:

- Allows analysis of gene expression and variation at the single-cell level, particularly valuable for understanding tumor heterogeneity ¹⁷⁰.

- Has the potential to revolutionize prenatal diagnosis and early cancer detection by providing high-resolution genetic information ¹⁶⁰.

4. Gene Editing Technology:

- CRISPR and other gene editing technologies may be used to correct certain genetic defects identified through screening ¹⁷¹.

- This opens up possibilities for gene therapy as an intervention following genetic screening ¹⁷².

- However, it also raises significant ethical considerations that need careful examination ¹⁶².

5. Real-Time Monitoring and Wearable Devices:

- Combining genetic data with real-time physiological parameters from wearable devices could provide dynamic health risk assessments ¹⁶³.

- This integration may promote a more proactive and personalized approach to preventive medicine.

6. Blockchain Technology:

- Offers a secure, decentralized method for storing and sharing genetic data ¹⁷³.

- Could address issues of genetic data privacy, ownership, and consent management ¹⁷⁴.

7. Quantum Computing:

- May significantly increase the speed and complexity of genetic data analysis in the future ¹⁷⁵.

- Has the potential to solve current computational bottlenecks, such as protein folding prediction, which could enhance our understanding of genetic variants ¹⁷⁶.

While these emerging technologies offer exciting possibilities, they also present new challenges. Issues of data privacy, ethical use of genetic information, and equitable access to these advanced screening methods need to be carefully addressed ¹⁷⁷. Moreover, the integration of these technologies into clinical practice will require substantial changes in healthcare infrastructure, professional training, and public education ⁴⁷.

As we move forward, it will be crucial for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and ethicists to work collaboratively to ensure that these powerful technologies are used responsibly and effectively. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of these advancements to improve health outcomes and push the boundaries of personalized medicine ¹⁷⁸.

For a summary of key literature in the field of genetic screening, please refer to Table 3. This table provides an overview of 20 seminal papers, including their main conclusions, limitations, and author notes, which together offer a comprehensive picture of the current state and future directions of genetic screening research and applications.

Table 3.

Summary of Key Literature in Genetic Screening

Ref. No.	Article	Conclusion	Limitations	Author Notes
12	Katsanis SH, Katsanis N. (2013) Molecular genetic testing and the future of clinical genomics	Reviews the state of molecular genetic testing and future directions	Some predictions may not have materialized	Provides a comprehensive overview of genetic testing
16	Evans JP, et al. (2013) We screen newborns, don't we?: realizing the promise of public health genomics	Argues for expanded use of genomic screening in public health	May underestimate implementation challenges	Provides a vision for genomic public health
29	Manolio TA, et al. (2009) Finding the missing heritability of complex diseases	Discusses potential sources of unexplained heritability in complex diseases	Some hypotheses remain unproven	Landmark paper in understanding complex disease genetics
31	Biesecker LG, Green RC. (2014) Diagnostic clinical genome and exome sequencing	Reviews the clinical applications of genome and exome sequencing	Rapid technological advances may outdate some information	Provides a comprehensive overview of sequencing technologies
47	Stark Z, et al. (2019) Integrating Genomics into Healthcare: A Global Responsibility	Emphasizes the need for global cooperation in implementing genomic medicine	Focuses mainly on developed countries	Highlights the importance of equity in genomic medicine
83	Relling MV, et al. (2019) Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for Thiopurine Dosing Based on TPMT and NUDT15 Genotypes: 2018 Update	Provides guidelines for pharmacogenetic testing	Limited to specific genes and drugs	Important resource for clinical pharmacogenetics
105	Forrest IS, et al. (2022) Population-Based Penetrance of Deleterious Clinical Variants	Demonstrates variable penetrance of pathogenic variants across populations	Based on data from specific populations	Highlights the importance of diverse genomic databases
106	Horton RH, Lucassen AM. (2019) Recent developments in genetic/genomic medicine	Reviews recent advances in genomic medicine and their clinical implications	Rapid pace of developments may outdate some information	Provides a comprehensive overview of the field
109	Riley BD, et al. (2012) Essential elements of genetic cancer risk assessment, counseling, and testing	Provides guidelines for genetic counseling in cancer risk assessment	May not fully address newer technologies	Important resource for genetic counselors
111	Green RC, et al. (2015) GINA, genetic discrimination, and genomic medicine	Discusses the impact of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act	Focuses on US policy	Highlights ongoing challenges in genetic discrimination
118	McGuire AL, et al. (2008) Confidentiality, privacy, and security of genetic and genomic test information in electronic health records	Discusses challenges in managing genetic information in electronic health records	Focuses mainly on US healthcare system	Highlights important privacy concerns
131	Appelbaum PS, et al. (2014) Models of consent to return of incidental findings in genomic research	Proposes different models for managing incidental findings in genomic research	Does not provide a definitive solution	Highlights the complexity of ethical issues in genomic research
142	Manickam K, et al. (2018) Exome Sequencing-Based Screening for BRCA1/2 Expected Pathogenic Variants Among Adult Biobank Participants	Population-based genomic screening can identify individuals with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants	Limited to BRCA1/2 genes	Suggests potential for broader genomic screening
145	Aronson SJ, Rehm HL. (2015) Building the foundation for genomics in precision medicine	Discusses the challenges and opportunities in implementing genomic medicine	Focuses more on technical aspects than ethical considerations	Provides a roadmap for genomic medicine implementation
148	Shendure J, et al. (2017) DNA sequencing at 40: past, present and future	Reviews the history and future directions of DNA sequencing	Some future predictions may not materialize	Comprehensive overview of sequencing technology
160	Doudna JA, Charpentier E. (2014) Genome editing. The new frontier of genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9	Introduces CRISPR- Cas9 technology and its potential applications	Does not fully address ethical concerns	Landmark paper on CRISPR technology
164	Popejoy AB, Fullerton SM. (2016) Genomics is failing on diversity	Highlights the lack of diversity in genomic studies	Focuses mainly on GWAS studies	Call to action for more inclusive genomic research
165	Landry LG, et al. (2018) Lack Of Diversity In Genomic Databases Is A Barrier To Translating Precision Medicine Research Into Practice	Highlights the importance of diversity in genomic databases	Focuses mainly on US populations	Calls for more inclusive genomic research
166	Clayton EW, et al. (2019) The law of genetic privacy: applications, implications, and limitations	Discusses legal aspects of genetic privacy	Focuses mainly on US law	Highlights the need for updated legal frameworks
167	Shabani M, Borry P. (2018) Rules for processing genetic data for research purposes in view of the new EU General Data Protection Regulation	Discusses implications of GDPR for genetic research	Focuses on EU regulations	Important for researchers working with EU data

The importance of this review lies not only in its systematic summary of the current status of genetic screening but also in its in-depth exploration of its application prospects in personalized medicine and public health. In the current context of rapid development of precision medicine, genetic screening is becoming an important tool for disease prevention and health management.

From a clinical perspective, the significance of this study is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. It provides a comprehensive knowledge framework of genetic screening for clinicians, helping them better understand and apply this technology.

2. It discusses the interpretation and application of genetic screening results, which is crucial for formulating personalized prevention and treatment plans.

3. It analyzes the application of genetic screening in different disease areas, providing references for clinical practice.

4. It explores the ethical and social issues of genetic screening, helping clinicians better handle related issues in practice.

In summary, this study provides important theoretical basis and practical guidance for the application of genetic screening in clinical and public health fields.