WHAT BENEFITS DOES GENETIC RESEARCH BRING TO CANADIANS?


Consider this:

Some 60% of the population will experience a disease with a genetic component.

Genetic diseases are often characterized by early onset, e.g. juvenile diabetes.

The cost is high in terms of years of ill health and life lost together with the associated social, emotional and financial burden.

… and this:

Advances in science and technology are rapidly improving our understanding of the many factors affecting health, and are constantly generating new ways to prevent and treat disease.*

Good health is the bedrock on which social progress is built. A nation of health people can do those things that make life worthwhile, and as the level of health increases so does the potential for happiness.**

* Science Council of Canada, Report 42
** Marc Lalonde, "A New Perspective on the Health of Canadians"