Public Survey
In order to help inform its future activity, Nowgen commissioned the national polling organisation, ICM, to carry out a representative survey of UK public attitudes towards genetic medicine.
The survey explored public attitudes towards a range of topics including:
- genetic testing
- the effect of genes on behaviour, health and complex disease
- how personal genetic information might influence changes to lifestyle
Survey Results
- 44% of participants would not consider having a genetic test to see what illnesses they might develop in the future. Of the remaining 56% , 17% would only take the test if the illness could be treated.
- 69% of participants thought that genes influence health a lot or completely.
- 40% of participants would not consider having a genetic test to find out if a drug would work for them.
To find out more download the Genetics Survey Report (484kb)
The results are discussed in ‘Is the UK public ready for genetic medicine?’
Finegold P, Mathieson K, Holmes L, Boon M, Cottle M, Donnai D, Middleton-Price H.
Personalized Medicine. 2008; 5 (1): 65-76.
