Health genomics is playing an increasingly important role in our health care, some examples of people who may benefit from health genomics include:
People with cancer
Genomics is increasingly playing a role in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. Genomics can play a role in helping to identify the type of cancer, how aggressive it is, and which treatments are likely to work. Genomic testing can also provide an individual with information on their risk of developing an inherited cancer, helping families understand and manage their health.
People with rare diseases
Genomic testing can help find answers for people with rare or undiagnosed conditions. It may shorten the time to diagnosis, guide treatment and connect families with support and research opportunities.
People with inherited conditions
Some health conditions run in families. Genomics can identify genetic variants that increase the risk of these conditions. This information helps people make informed decisions about their health and allows healthcare professionals to offer targeted care and advice. Testing family members can help relatives find out if they have the same condition, and testing reproductive partners can support people to make informed reproductive choices.
People undergoing specific treatments
Genetics can play a significant role in how individuals respond to medical treatments. For example, some people may process certain medications faster or slower than others, which can affect how well a treatment works or whether side effects occur. By understanding a person’s genetic makeup, healthcare professionals can tailor treatments to the individual - improving effectiveness and reducing risks. This pharmacogenomic approach underpins personalised medicine, which is transforming health care by making it more precise and patient-centred.