'I'd probably be dead': Woman warns of gene testing insurance fears
An Auckland woman who underwent preventative surgery after testing positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation warns that insurance companies are penalizing individuals for their genetic test results. Despite reducing her cancer risk, she faces higher insurance premiums, a practice that experts argue discourages life-saving testing.
Why it matters
This highlights the ethical and policy challenges surrounding the use of genetic data by the insurance industry and its impact on public health outcomes.
<p>An Auckland woman who lost her father, sister and grandmother to cancer says a genetic test probably saved her life — but she worries insurance fears are stopping other Kiwis from getting tested.</p> <p>Genetic testing revealed Jody Bews-Hair carries a BRCA2 gene mutation, putting her at significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Her sister died from cancer aged 48, her father at 34, and her grandmother at 46.</p> <p>"If I hadn't had genetic testing, I would probably be dead."</p> <p>The result allowed Bews-Hair to take preventative action.</p> <p>"I've had a double mastectomy and reconstruction, I've had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.
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