My DNA: everybody's business? Citizens and their genome

This report presents the results of the Citizen Forum on the use of genome information in health care: • How should the use of genome testing in health care evolve ? • Which apps need to be supported ? • What do citizens think about sharing their genomic data ? • With whom do they want to share these and for which purposes ? • Is privacy a problem for them ? Those questions were the focus of discussions between the 32 citizens involved in the Citizen Forum, organized by Sciensano and the King Baudouin Foundation, in autumn 2018. This Citizen Forum provided nuanced responses to ethical, legal and societal issues in the health field and beyond. Citizens gave their advice about the health system and society changes arising from the increasing use of genome technology. These developments will challenge our current definition of 'patient'. Our expectations about health professionals will also change significantly in the future. Citizens are aware of the contradiction between their willingness to share their genome information for the public good and their request for protection because of confidentiality. Citizens hope that their advice will contribute to good practices on the ground and a coherent and cooperative health policy.