The rapid development of our understanding of molecular genetics has permitted a better understanding of the pathogenesis of a growing number of diseases and has changed the way in which we think about health and illness. It has also created new possibilities of diagnosing genetic disorders prenatally, offering predictive tests for family members and detecting carriers of mutations at the population level.

Human and medical genetics has become a popular subject in the media. This has increased public awareness of genetic influences in the development of diseases, and consequently the expectations regarding genetic prediction and even therapy of genetic diseases. On the other hand, it has also led to discussion of possible adverse effects and the ethical issues connected with these services.

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