A new study looked at what people actually do after getting important health results from direct-to-consumer genetic tests—like those offered by companies such as 23andMe. The findings suggest that, for many people, these tests don’t just sit in a report. They often lead to real medical steps.
Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 adults who had received genetic results linked to serious but treatable conditions, including certain cancers, high cholesterol, iron overload, and rare heart disorders. Most participants were in their late 50s, and about two-thirds reported a personal or family history related to the condition flagged by their test. Yet nearly 82% said they had never previously had genetic testing for that risk.
One of the biggest questions was whether people actually shared these results with doctors. About 46% did so. While that means more than half did not, the picture changed once doctors became involved. Among those who shared their results, 86% received at least one medical recommendation—such as extra screening, medication, or preventive surgery.
Even more striking, people tended to follow that advice. Overall, nearly 88% of recommended actions were carried out. For example, many people with high-cholesterol genetic variants started or adjusted medication, and most women with BRCA-related cancer risk followed screening or surgery recommendations.
The study also found that most people shared their results with family members, which can help relatives learn about their own risks. About 73% told at least one biological relative, and many relatives then pursued genetic testing themselves.
However, the research highlighted some challenges. Fewer than half of people discussed their results with a healthcare professional, and participants reported that specialists were generally more knowledgeable about genetic results than primary care doctors.
Overall, the study suggests that direct-to-consumer genetic testing can help uncover hidden health risks and prompt meaningful medical action—especially when results are shared with healthcare providers. But the authors say more work is needed to ensure people understand their results and feel comfortable discussing them with doctors.
Amy C. Sturm, MS, Stacey Detweiler, MS, CGC, Jessica Bielenberg, MPH, Sungmin Park, BS, Eloycsia Ukandu, MPH, Hannah Llorin, MS, Sarah L. Elson, PhD, Matthew H. McIntyre, PhD, Noura S. Abul-Husn, MD, PhD
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gimo.2026.104390
