"Genomic data, privacy, and consent must be carefully managed and understood by anyone who takes part in genomic-based healthcare."
It has long been known that the most efficient way to treat a health condition is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. While prevention isn’t always possible, there’s plenty we can do to reduce our chances of developing cancers, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes.
Until recently, preventative action has tended to err on the side of ‘one size fits all’. Exercise, good diet, enough sleep, and reducing alcohol intake are good, but a blunt tool when it comes to addressing what you are personally more susceptible to.
At Bupa, we are working towards a more personalised future for healthcare. A key component of that future is genomics: the study of a person’s DNA, offering unprecedented insights into how the body works.
Although 99.8% of our DNA is identical to that of our peers, the 0.2% variation makes each of us unique. This dictates how likely we are to develop certain health conditions and, crucially, which treatments are likely to be most effective.
“When it comes to preventative health measures, understanding our genome can be a powerful tool.”
The Government agrees. It’s committed to introducing whole genome sequencing for newborns by 2035, as part of a £650mn investment in DNA and genomics technology.
Furthermore, the NHS genomics population health service will use polygenic risk scores to predict disease and implement preventative healthcare across the UK.
Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health & social care, described genomics as an opportunity to “leapfrog disease, so we’re in front of it rather than reacting to it.”
Bupa recently became the first major private healthcare provider in the UK to pilot whole genome sequencing. The ‘My Genomic Health’ two-year pilot has offered more than 3.5k customers the ability to assess their risk of disease across more than thirty-six conditions.
READ MORE: Bupa becomes first major private healthcare provider to pilot whole genome sequencing in the UK
Genomic testing presents exciting opportunities for the protection market. Having a greater understanding of which health conditions people are most at risk of developing means earlier intervention, improved outcomes, and a reduction in insurance claims.
“Early intervention can also encourage people to live healthier lifestyles and make informed choices about screening, diet, exercise routines, and stress management techniques.”
For cancer treatment, analysing the genomic profiles of both the patient and tumour can guide drug selection, optimising effectiveness and minimising side effects. Pharmacogenomics can also help refine the dosage of blood thinners to prevent complications in cardiovascular patients.
Having genetic sensitivity to medicine is more common than you might think. Bupa’s My Genomic Health pilot found a staggering 99% of people tested had a sensitivity to common medicines such as over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics, resulting in worse side effects, reduced effectiveness, and safety concerns.
Genomics has the potential to create a paradigm shift in how we understand and approach healthcare. But the genomic revolution is only just starting, and with this comes responsibility.
“Knowledge is power, but it can also be a huge burden, which is why we’ve chosen to only report on conditions that can be prevented or delayed.”
At Bupa, we have signed the Code on Genetic Testing & Insurance which is a voluntary code of practice agreed between the Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). This means that Bupa has committed to not requiring genomic testing under any circumstances and won’t consider test results when customers apply for insurance.
We’re still uncovering the complexities of the human genome, so continuing to address ethical challenges and maintain a balanced perspective is crucial.
Genomic data, privacy, and consent must be carefully managed and understood by anyone who takes part in genomic-based healthcare. Robust frameworks are essential to ensure genetic data is stored securely, used responsibly.
