Reading between the lines: Direct-to-consumer advertising of genetic testing in the USA

This article critiques on advertisement in a theatre playbill by a bio-technology company for its commercial test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutation, which may indicate a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. The advertisement targets a vulnerable audience attending a play about one woman's isolated and painful death from ovarian cancer. It promotes a product with incomplete and at times incorrect information, and it misguides women by suggesting that they contact the company directly about this test, rather than encouraging them to talk to their health core providers about genetic testing and their personal risk of breast cancer. In on era in which more genetic tests will be integrated into clinical practice, we con expect on increase in direct-to-consumer marketing for such tests. This advertisement is on example of what we need to be on guard against.