Genetic testing is now more popular than ever. People want to know about their ancestry, health risks, and personal traits. As the market expands, understanding what drives people to choose one test over another matters for companies, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.
Below, we look at consumer preferences in genetic testing — the key trends, variations among different demographics, and how attitudes have shifted over time.
Popular Genetic Tests and Demographic Variations
The types of genetic tests people choose — and who chooses them — vary widely based on personal interests and background.
Most Popular Genetic Tests
Ancestry testing has emerged as the most sought-after type of genetic test among consumers.
- According to the Health Information National Trend Survey (HINTS) 2020, among respondents who had any genetic test, an adjusted percentage of 51.4% had only ancestry testing
- Genetic health-risk testing was the second most popular, with 9.7% of respondents having undergone this type of test exclusively
- High-risk cancer testing was the third most common, with 10.2% of respondents having taken this test only
- The survey also found that 24.2% of respondents had selected multiple genetic test types, indicating a growing interest in broader genetic testing
Demographic Variations in Genetic Testing Preferences
Preferences for genetic testing vary significantly across age, gender, education, income, and racial or ethnic backgrounds.
- Women are more likely to undergo genetic testing, particularly for conditions like breast cancer (BRCA1/2 testing)
- Individuals with higher education and income levels are more likely to have undergone genetic testing, possibly due to better access to information and the ability to afford testing
- Racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans and Hispanics, have shown lower uptake rates for genetic testing, which could be attributed to factors such as lower awareness, access issues, and concerns about privacy and discrimination
- Younger people may prefer genetic testing because they are more comfortable with technology and proactive about managing their health. On the other hand, older adults may prioritize tests that have immediate clinical benefits, but they might overestimate these benefits
Factors Influencing Consumer Decision-Making
Various factors influence consumer decision-making regarding genetic testing, including market trends, personal health awareness, privacy concerns, and the regulatory environment.
- The rising prevalence of chronic and genetic diseases and the availability of personalized medicines are key drivers of market growth
- The ease and convenience associated with self-testing kits are boosting consumer participation in self-testing
- Marketing activities by online websites have played a significant role in spreading awareness and developing the market
- Consumers consider factors such as convenience and types of information provided before purchasing genetic testing services
- Concerns about privacy and the potential risks and limitations of testing may influence consumer decision-making
Evolution of Consumer Preferences Over Time
Consumer preferences in genetic testing have evolved significantly since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003.
| Year | Market Value | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $10 million | Early stage of DTC genetic testing market |
| 2017 | $600 million | 23andMe claims over 2 million consumers |
| 2019 | 26 million consumers (projected) | Significant growth in DTC genetic testing |
| 2025 | $2.5 billion (projected) | Estimated global market value |
- Initially, the focus of DTC genetic testing was largely on ancestry and trait information. However, as technology advanced and regulatory landscapes adapted, health-related genetic testing gained prominence.
- The FDA’s approval of 23andMe’s risk test for ten diseases in 2017 and its subsequent authorization for BRCA tests in 2018 marked significant milestones in expanding the scope of DTC genetic testing to include health risk assessments.
- A survey revealed that most respondents had heard of ancestry testing (87%) and genetic health risk testing (69%), indicating a high level of awareness. However, there were gaps in knowledge regarding the role of inherited genes in conditions like obesity (36%) and mental health (33%).
- For pharmacogenetic testing specifically, a majority (74%) of respondents preferred pre-emptive testing over reactive testing, indicating a shift towards a more proactive approach to health management through genetic insights.
