73% of Respondents Say One or More Diseases Run in Their Family; Just 6% Don't Want Genetic Testing -- Wamberg Genomic Survey

LA JOLLA, Calif., Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy-three percent of respondents noted that common diseases run in their family.  The top diseases cited were diabetes 37%, cancer 35%, heart disease 32%, and depression/mental health issues 31%.  Just 6% would decline free genetic testing to better predict future occurrence of diseases. Fifty-three percent (53%) of respondents noted that they would definitely accept free genetic testing to better predict future occurrence of diseases, another 29% may want it, and 12% were unsure.

Results are based on Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey, which queried 536 U.S. consumers from 26 to 64 years old with employer-sponsored health insurance. Survey Sampling International (SSI) fielded the survey in October/November 2017.

According to Dr. Phil Smalley, Chief Medical Director of Wamberg Genomic Advisors, "These results indicate that the public seems to understand that knowing their genetics can help lower their risk of developing diseases that run in their family."

Results from the survey questions are below:

Do any of these diseases run in your family? *

• Diabetes 37%
• Cancer 35%
• Heart disease 32%
• Depression or other
  mental health issues 31%
• Alzheimer's disease 10%
• Another disease 10%
• Stroke 7%
• None of the above 27%

If you were offered free genetic testing to better predict future occurrence of diseases and the results were private and confidential, would you want to get your own genetics tested?

• Yes 53%
• Maybe 29%
• Unsure 12%
• No 6%

For the first time, individuals and their families can access the following tests and reports to help their care providers better manage health:

• Whole Genome Sequence & Report (WGx)
• Whole Exome Sequence & Report (WEx)
• Cancer Genomic Profiling Program (CGx)
• Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
• Stem Cell & Cord Blood Banking

Other results of the survey revealed the following:

• 75% responded genetic testing can help people live a longer and better quality of life
• 33% have had genetic testing. Of those that have had testing, 52% found the results useful

About the Survey
The Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey queried 536 U.S. consumers 26-64. The survey was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in October/November 2017. Data for the survey was collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error was 4%.

About Survey Sampling International:

Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the premier global provider of data solutions and technology for consumer and business-to-business survey research for 40 years.  For more information, go to www.surveysampling.com.   

About Wamberg Genomic Advisors:

Wamberg Genomic Advisors' mission is to make genomic testing readily available at prices everyone can afford. Our focus is on delivering genomic products and services to employers and their employees via their trusted benefit brokers, and policyholders of life insurance companies. To learn more, visit wamberggenomic.com.

*Note percentages can add to more than 100% as respondents can choose multiple answers

SOURCE Wamberg Genomic Advisors