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Genomics and You

Genomics and You. “What is it and why now?”. Overview. Genetics vs. Genomics Misperceptions Applicability to public health Challenges. Genetics vs. Genomics. Genetics: study of single genes and their effects (cystic fibrosis) Genome: all the genetic material (DNA) of an organism.

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Genomics and You

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  1. Genomics and You “What is it and why now?”

  2. Overview • Genetics vs. Genomics • Misperceptions • Applicability to public health • Challenges

  3. Genetics vs. Genomics • Genetics: study of single genes and their effects (cystic fibrosis) • Genome:all the genetic material (DNA) of an organism

  4. Genetics vs. Genomics • Genomics:study of all the genes in the genome, including their interactions with environmental factors (heart disease, asthma)

  5. Misperceptions • “Genomics isn’t relevant to me or the area of public health in which I work” • Did you know that … 9 of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. have a genetic component?

  6. Top 10 Causes of Death in the U.S. (2000) • Heart Disease • Cancer • Cerebrovascular Disease • Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease • Accidents/Unintentional Injuries • Diabetes • Pneumonia/Influenza • Alzheimer’s Disease • Kidney Disease • Septicemia

  7. Misperceptions • “Genetic susceptibility equals health destiny” • Diseases can be caused solely by genetics. However, most diseases are caused by gene-environment interactions

  8. Genetic Susceptibility is NOT Health Destiny Genetics is just one piece of the “puzzle”

  9. Misperceptions • “There are no interventions based on genomics” It’s true, we can’t change our genes. BUT we can use this knowledge to …

  10. Potential Interventions • Modify screening and medical recommendations • More Frequent Screenings • Genetic Testing/Evaluation • Interventions or Prevention

  11. Potential Interventions • Modify exposure to environmental factors that may interact with known genetic susceptibilities • Pesticide Exposure • Genetic Screening for agricultural workers at high-risk

  12. Potential Interventions • Target messages and interventions aimed at changing behaviors of high-risk groups • Diet • Physical Activity • Smoking Cessation • Alcohol Avoidance • Others?

  13. Genomics and You • What are some examples of public health genomics? • Did any of these activities apply to you?

  14. Family History • Powerful tool that can identify genetic, behavioral, social, environmental, and cultural factors

  15. Should We Wait? • Direct-to-consumer marketing of BRCA genetic test • Genetic profiles for nutrition, drug response, osteoporosis, and heart disease • Genetic tests available for over 900 conditions

  16. Overcoming Challenges • Potential discrimination in health insurance or employment • Access to genetic services for all populations Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI)

  17. Overcoming Challenges Genomics won’t change the goals of public health. But it can be used as a tool to help target at-risk populations, through tailored messages and interventions.

  18. Genomics and You “Genomics will be to the 21st century what infectious disease was to the 20th century … Genomics should be considered in every facet of public health: infectious disease, chronic disease, occupational health, environmental health, in addition to maternal and child health” - “Gerard et al. Journal Law, Medicine, Ethics 2002; vol 30 (suppl): 173-176”

  19. Thank You! • Questions or comments? • Contact Us • Chronic Disease Genomics Program • Rebecca Giles rgiles@utah.gov • Jenny Johnson jennyjohnson@utah.gov • Jess Agraz jagraz@utah.gov

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