"This is a turning point in how we think about healthcare, helping people to be more proactive in preventing or delaying ill-health to enjoy more of their years."
- Dr Rishi Patel, Head of Clinical Transformation at Bupa
Bupa’s two-year My Genomic Health programme offers more than 3.5k customers access to their genetic risk profile of developing more than thirty-six conditions that can either be prevented or have better outcomes if treated early.
These conditions include ten types of cancer: colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, familial hypercholesterolaemia, cardiomyopathy, thyroid cancer, haemochromatosis, skin cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Additional conditions include heart disease & metabolic diseases.
Customers found at high genetic risk of developing one of these conditions will have access to personalised recommendations and tailored health plans to prevent illness and promote early detection.
As part of Bupa’s programme, over three hundred genes and nine polygenic risk scores will be analysed; customers will receive insights about their carrier gene status and pharmacogenomics. Notably, the test will only report on genes where preventative action can be taken.
Furthermore, the programme includes wraparound care, including access to genetic counselling and onward referrals to Bupa’s services – GP or specialist services if needed.
Bupa will soon be running a Health Insights Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS) test pilot for three hundred customers with the aim to be available as an optional add-on to Bupa Health Assessments for women over 40 & men over 45 years old in 2025. This test assesses the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, Type 2 Diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Offered to customers with a personalised report, these tests will enable them to have more informed conversations with medical professionals about their health status, concerns, ongoing screening recommendations, and lifestyle choices.
Alongside these assessments. Bupa now offers customers in the UK access to various genetic tests once symptoms have been identified, as recommended by their consultant. Tests include Signatera (for customers with colorectal or bladder cancer), CiRT (to decide if customers would benefit from Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICU) treatment for cancer), Digistain (assesses the risk of reoccurring breast cancer), and Galeas (for customers with microscopic haematuria).
“Genomics will play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare. Analysing someone’s genetic makeup will determine their susceptibility to conditions like heart disease or cancer. This will enable healthcare companies to provide personalised interventions that people can make in their everyday lives to reduce their risks,” explained Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK.
He said: “What’s exciting is it creates a pivotal shift in how healthcare can be provided, moving from treating illnesses to increasing interventions for prevention, ultimately helping people stay healthier for longer.
“Through the My Genomic Health pilot and the genetic testing solutions available within our Bupa Health Assessments & insured customers’ treatment plans, we’re now able to offer end-to-end care: from before symptoms develop to enhancing their personal treatment plans and support their journey back to health,” Carlos added.
Sarah Melia, Health Services General Manager at Bupa Global, India & UK, stressed that the private healthcare provider is “committed to identifying health risks early to empower all our customers, both insured and pay-as-you-go, to proactively manage their health.
“By integrating PRS into our Bupa Health Assessments, we will be able to guide customers through the journey of understanding their risk of developing certain diseases based on their genetic makeup and provide the clinical support they need to make regular lifestyle changes that keep them well for longer,” she said.
“This is a turning point in how we think about healthcare, helping people to be more proactive in preventing or delaying ill-health to enjoy more of their years. Genomics is key to this; it helps us advise customers on the preventative actions they can take to lower their chances of becoming unwell as well as get back to health more quickly,” concluded Dr Rishi Patel, Head of Clinical Transformation at Bupa.
