Americans are curious and hopeful about genetic research, and are overwhelmingly in favor of federal funding for the genomics industry, according to a new survey by the American Society of Human Genetics and Research!America. The nationwide survey was given digitally to 1,875 adults.
Overall, a majority of survey respondents possess positive feelings about human genetic research (77 percent), although approximately 40 percent have misconceptions and even less are familiar with personalized medicine as an extension of genomics—indicating a need for further public education.
When asked to select adjectives that accurately describe their views on genetics research, survey respondents’ top five selections were curious (59 percent), hopeful (53 percent), amazed (42 percent), optimistic (42 percent) and cautious (38 percent).
Many see genetic research as critical to improving their families’ health. For example, respondents believe researchers will use genetics to find cures for key diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s (78 percent); that physicians will be able to use genetic information to inform their health care (71 percent); that people will learn “surprising information” about their heritage or backgrounds (69 percent); and that it will be possible to change genes in embryos to prevent severe diseases like sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, or muscular dystrophy (60 percent)—a surprising nod to CRISPR-Cas9.
Eighty-four percent of survey respondents believe more research is needed in human genetics, and 74 percent support increased federal funding. However, answers to true-or-false questions about concepts of human genetics indicated more public education is necessary.
“The survey shows there is still important work to do in educating the public on some genetics basics and how it might benefit them through applications like personalized medicine,” said ASHG president Anthony Wynshaw-Boris. “It is rewarding to know they would participate in research that could help themselves or a loved one, but they also want assurances about privacy and confidentiality of that research data.”
For example, the majority of respondents incorrectly believed that cells in different parts of the body have different genes, with only 37 percent knowing this statement to be false. Just 41 percent knew that humans share more than 99 percent of our DNA, and less than half (45 percent) correctly answered false to the question of whether gene therapy creates genetic changes that are passed on to future generations. Additionally, while 71 percent of survey respondents knew of genetics, only about one-third of respondents had heard of precision medicine.
“Time and again, the public tells us they value medical research,” said Research!America president & CEO Mary Woolley. “Americans believe in the hope research presents to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. As a nation, we must step up and invest robustly in research to find the solutions to what ails us.”