Would You Take The Test? - Still Alice (2015) Discussion

I wouldn't either.

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This is your life, and it is ending one minute at a time

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I wouldn't have in my 20s, but with all of the advancements in genetic testing and therapies, I would take it today (and plan to check with my doctor next year to see what genetic testing is realistic and available these days - cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, ...).

The next generation of wearable devices (like Fitbit) are going to retrieve and evaluate data at a genetic level and be able to tell you how your activities are affecting genes associated with specific diseases and conditions. Diabetes, for example, is not just a matter of an "on/off switch" on a gene, but rather a spectrum between on and off, and what we do affects those genes over time. A wearable device will be able to tell you whether and how your recent meal or workout affected them.

So absolutely, I want to know which genes I should be watching. I won't forget that I could get hit by a truck long before genetic diseases kick in, but if I do live long enough, I'd like to try to stave off disease and spend my money on better things than meds and nursing homes.

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[–] PeterMarkoff 9 years ago

Yes of course,what would be the point of not taking it? If you know what to expect you can live your life fully same as if you would not know result with difference being you will be prepared.

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[–] noveltylibrary 9 years ago

>>what would be the point of not taking it?

avoiding bad news

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[–] GuyOnTheLeft 8 years ago

Here's the problem with that. For me at least, the dread I'd feel if I didn't take it would be 90% as bad as what I'd feel if I took it and found out I definitely had it. Whereas if I take it I have a fifty percent chance of getting good news. So the math of a fifty fifty shot at total relief, compared to a 100% chance of 90% sadness, makes it a no brainer.

But if you are the kind of person who can convince yourself that it's probably the "good" outcome, then I guess it's different. Although IMO it's irresponsible to go into a marriage or serious relationship without taking the test.

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[–] kjhuang17 9 years ago

Personally, I feel like if I knew I had the disease, it would subconsciously niggle at me and hamper my ability to be successful. Maybe in the back of my mind I'll always think, "what's the point my career is gonna be over at 50 anyway" and it'll be discouraging. That said, I would get myself the neurological tests at 50 and make arrangements for long-term care and end-of-life provisions.

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[–] paxtonaddleman 8 years ago

If you knew you were only going to live to be 50, would your career be so important?

I feel like I would make very different decisions about my priorities and plans. If I'm living to 80, I'd need something substantive to fill up the time, and enough savings to pay for retirement, so I don't end up living with no heat and eating cat food. If I'm done at 50, career and savings are way less important than packing in the fun.

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[–] Strawberrry35 9 years ago

I am supposed to submit paperwork to be tested for the cancer gene, since my mother had breast cancer at the age of 32 and I am a little older than she was when she found out, others in my family have either survived or died from cancer. I have been avoiding doing so, so I am not sure.

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[–] PeterMarkoff 9 years ago

That's just silly superstition, avoiding facts will not change the reality, you can't close your eyes from your sickness in case you are sick, it's childish behavior like children thinking when they close their eyes nobody can see them. Not knowing facts will not change or help with anything, it can make things only worse. Now I would understand it with diseases which have very sudden downfall and immediate death like hearth attack (although you can also take precautions try to minimize its risks) but cancer or Alzheimer is very slow disease so you will find it one or the other way and can't really hide it until death, so there is no really point ignoring reality. Good luck with results btw., hopefully they will be good for you and medicine went already long way in dealing with cancer (especially for people who take tests and don't avoid results until it's too late).

Peter Markoff
The best - Fight Club, American Beauty & Falling Down.

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[–] tbone382001 9 years ago

I agree, I would take the test. I am going to read up on the subject also after seeing this. I am hoping since no one has ever had it in my family that my chances are low. My dad passed at 79 and my mom just passed at 89 and they both were sharp as a whistle until they got sick. My grandparents all lived long lives also. My worst fear is that someone has to take care of me and I am a burden on my family. I will go out like she attempted to if possible.

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[–] GoodSOVeryVeryGood 8 years ago

You can be treated and early detection greatly affects positive outcomes. Not taking the cancer test is just denial. I hope you did it.

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[–] CZJFan87 9 years ago

I wouldn't.

I would prefer to live me life without thinking about my future diseases. I live the present. And since I don't have intention to have kids...

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[–] GoodSOVeryVeryGood 8 years ago

And since I don't have intention to have kids...

I think that's the important one - if you plan to have children you need to get tested as you would not want to visit this upon your child.

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[–] bpollen 9 years ago

You bet I would! In a heartbeat! That way I'd know what's coming and could plan for it. Even stash some pills away.

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[–] Kompressor_Fan 9 years ago

I would not be happy about taking the test, but I would take it. What choice would you have? As stated earlier, if you DO have this problem, then you better start making plans while you are capable because.....if you don't.....someone else WILL make them once you are incapable, and it may not be the person (or plans) that you would want.

 The bad news is you have houseguests. There is no good news. 

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[–] somesunnyday 9 years ago

Absolutely not. What's the point in finding out about something you have that's incurable? If it was something like cancer where you've got a good chance if you get it early then yes you would but there's no point in living in distress for the rest of your life awaiting something that nobody can stop.

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[–] Kompressor_Fan 9 years ago

If you have a family, and have reason to suspect Alzheimers or dementia, then you have no choice but to take the test....if not for your sake, then for theirs.

 The bad news is you have houseguests. There is no good news. 

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[–] GuyOnTheLeft 8 years ago

What about the fifty percent chance that you could get good news, and not have to worry any more?

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[–] mlewis78 9 years ago

Are you asking about the genetic test? I don't know if I would or not. There would have to be a good reason to take it.

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[–] Kompressor_Fan 9 years ago

Yes....that is a different matter entirely. I probably would not want to take the genetic test. On the other hand, if I started showing symptoms of the disease, I would want to take the neurological tests so I could get a diagnosis and make plans.

 The bad news is you have houseguests. There is no good news. 

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[–] JRodFilms 9 years ago

this was one of the dumbest parts for me, but luckily it was really short.

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