Have you done a DNA test for health reasons and learned anything useful?

Question

Those DNA testing companies that claim to be able to identify diseases or conditions that you may be susceptible to later in life based on your genes sound mighty tempting. I'm curious if anyone here has done one before and learned something concerning - but helpful - from it? What was your experience?

sfgweilr4f · Accepted Answer

Hmmm. I'm not keen on giving my DNA profile to China. This seems like an unwise thing to do.
from Newsweek: "China is also getting the DNA of Americans by buying American companies. China's BGI Group may now have the largest database on Americans after acquiring Complete Genomics in 2013. This year, GNC, which holds customer profiles, was sold to a Chinese entity, Harbin Pharmaceutical Group.
Another Chinese technique is to offer low-cost "large-scale genetic sequencing" to ancestry and other businesses. Ancestry firm 23andMe's chief security officer says China is looking at the firm for its genetic data. There were, as of last year, 23 Chinese-associated companies accredited to perform genetic testing of Americans.
While Beijing is hoovering up American genetic data, it is prohibiting the transfer of Chinese data to foreigners. The State Council announced new restrictions in May of last year, and officials are stepping up efforts to punish genetic data transfers."
I'd not be thinking that this is a good thing. Especially the one-way nature of DNA data transfer to China. The fact they are outlawing the export of such data on Chinese citizens shows the value they put on their own.

bjourne · Answer

I did it with 23andme. What I (re)learned and is very concerning is that websites can update their Terms of Service whenever the fuck they want. You can't take back data you have already given them. Don't do it!

outlawBand · Answer

I learned I am 1% African, so just enjoying kind of being African American nowadays.

speedgoose · Answer

Ignorance is bliss.

aaron695 · Answer

Not directly useful to me.In hind-site I guess obvious.All the solutions you should do anyway.Lung cancer, any cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease - Don't smoke, filter your air, don't drink (to much), lower stress, eat healthy, have good relationships with people.My skin cancer was low, should I wear sunscreen less?Maybe it breaks some peoples self denial or gives them a kick in the ass?Definitely do it though a Chinese company if you can. Keep it out of the hands of governments that control you.Probably you are screwed anyway on this - "How 1 Person Can Expose The Identities of 1000" - Veritasium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT18KJouHWgI think it's good to get control of your body. Maybe it's busy work. Maybe it's not.