%N 84
%D 2004
%T Information can kill
%X Recent advances in understanding links between genes
and the susceptibility to particular diseases have considerably increased
the scope for predictive diagnosis. Methods. We analyse how the introduc-
tion of predictive diagnosis affects patients�decisions to undergo medical
screenings relying on a �rational choice�model. Findings. We show that
predictive diagnosis can increase the number of fatalities from a deadly
disease. Interpretation. Our result shows the necessity of careful further
analysis and debate about the pros and cons of predictive diagnosis and
the publication of medical research in general.
%A S. Huck
%A K.A. Konrad
%I ESRC Centre for Economic Learning and Social Evolution
%S ELSE Working Papers
%C London, UK
%L discovery14592