The survey looks specifically at what Americans know today about how genetics can influence human health and traits and what it can reveal about ancestry. The relatively new nature of this field contributes to a general lack of education about DNA and its practical applications. However, 23andMe is dedicated to providing individuals with access to their own DNA in a way that is easy to understand.
The survey results demonstrate an increase over the past year in what Americans believe they can learn if they were to get personal genetic testing, including:
Diseases they may not be affected by but could pass onto their children (77% vs. 72%)
Their risk of getting a disease (76% vs. 69%)
A better understanding of their ancestry (67% vs. 61%)
A chance to connect with living relatives (51% vs. 46%)
23andMe is currently providing new customers with access to their ancestry analysis and uninterpreted raw genetic data only. The company is not providing health reports to new customers as per directive by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration while the company completes the regulatory review process.