In this highly readable book, Doris Teichler Zallen provides a template that can guide individuals and families through the decision-making process and offers additional resources where they can gain more information. She shares interviews with genetic specialists, doctors, and researchers, as well as the personal stories of nearly 100 people who have faced genetic-testing decisions.

Introduction: genetic tests are different -- A brief overview of susceptibility-gene testing -- Am I at a higher risk for this disease than other people? -- Will the test give me useful information? -- Is this the right time in my life to be taking this test? -- Will the advantages gained from having the genetic information outweigh the disadvantages? -- Decisions, decisions -- Deciding about other types of genetic tests -- The future of genetic medicine.