One in 10 is mistaken about their father’s identity

An NHS chief has stated that an estimated 4% of the population is unaware that the man they call their father is not their true biological relative. The dilemma is coming to light because of the increased uptake of genetic tests for hereditary illnesses. About 220,000 such tests are carried out by the NHS in England and Scotland each year.

In March, Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for genetic tests to be rolled out. The DNA tests permit doctors to screen their patients for diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Family screening is also performed for genes that raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and genetic problems in pregnancy.

However, Ian Cumming, head of Health Education England, said hospitals were being left in an ethical quandary as they were uncovering some awkward family secrets.

Mr Cumming told the Hay Festival that within 10 years everyone who wanted to be genome tested could be.

“But it is not without controversy”, he warned. “If you look at people who have had genetic tests within families for reasons other than trying to work out paternity, for one in 10 people your dad isn’t who you think it is.”

The dilemma for medical staff, said Mr Cumming, is do we tell these people that it isn’t their dad?

“Or are we going to keep that information to ourselves? I don’t think that would be acceptable ethically.”

Mr Cumming said that while genetics offered new hope for preventing disease, there were difficult ethical challenges that needed addressing.

If you have any queries or require further information on DNA testing, you can call AlphaBiolabs on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com