Gene testing for smoking addiction has potential to help -- and hurt Now is the time for the government to take action to protect citizens from gene testing being used for employment and insurance eligibility.
By the Union-Bulletin Editorial Board
It's extremely difficult to quit smoking.
That's hardly news. Yet, the difficulty of quitting smoking did make headlines this week because researchers believe they've pinpointed why it is tough, if not impossible, for some people to stop smoking.
A genetic variation in some people makes it more likely they will get hooked on cigarettes, scientists found. And that same genetic twist makes those same folks more prone to develop lung cancer.
"This is kind of a double-whammy gene," said Christopher Amos, a professor of epidemiology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and author of one of the studies. "It also makes you more likely to be dependent on smoking and less likely to quit smoking."
So, does that mean that if you've got the gene variation that makes it really hard to quit smoking that you simply throw in the towel and keep puffing away. Not at all.
In fact, the scientists who made this discovery are giddy that their discovery has the potential to help folks quit smoking or never start smoking. They hope that screening for the gene, which they predict will be relatively simple, will steer those with the gene into the proper anti-smoking program.
Genes that create a predisposition to behaviors and addictions are not limited to smoking. It's pretty clear that humans are predisposed to everything from overeating to outbursts of anger to a variety of diseases.
And as technology gets better, scientists will pinpoint more of these genes, and programs will be put in place so people can overcome the hand that nature dealt them.
But there could also be an insidious side to pinpointing destructive genes.
What happens when employers or insurance companies get their hands on the information? Depending on the severity of the gene variation, some people wouldn't get hired for certain jobs and would find it difficult to get health insurance.
Now is the time for the government to take action to protect citizens from gene testing being used for employment and insurance eligibility.
In addition, laws need to be put in place to ensure that voluntary tests aimed at improving lives aren't leaked and used as a way to deny employment or insurance.
Science is now confirming much of what we had suspected. These advances in science must be focused in a way that they help, not hurt, people.
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chris wrote on Apr 5, 2008 6:51 PM:
" It is very hard to quit to a point. There is a miracle drug out there that works. If you all havent heard of Chantix then get to your doctor and get the prescription. I have been smoke free for 6 months now and dont want to smoke again. I have gotten 7 people to use this drug at work and they all have quit. Dont forget what it is called, CHANTIX
I dont believe that it is genetic it is just a drug that we get addicted too when we are younger cause we think it is cool, But when you quit you relize, why did people talk to me when i smelled so bad. that right there is reason to quit.
chris "
Ruby wrote on Apr 5, 2008 3:06 PM:
" The gene theory makes sense. My father was a big smoker, I smoke, and both of my adult children smoke. I take it this gene can be passed on. My children try to quit every month. I just smoke! "
chris wrote on Apr 5, 2008 6:51 PM:
I dont believe that it is genetic it is just a drug that we get addicted too when we are younger cause we think it is cool, But when you quit you relize, why did people talk to me when i smelled so bad. that right there is reason to quit.
chris "