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A blog devoted to discussing best practices and questions about the role of genomics in disease prevention, health promotion and healthcare.

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Public Health Genomics: 15 Years On

Categories: genomics, public health

double helix with the number 15
In 2012, the United States and the United Kingdom marked 15 years of public health genomics, a multidisciplinary field that deals with the effective and responsible translation of genome-based science to improve population health. Fifteen years ago, a new era of personalized healthcare and disease prevention seemed only around the corner. However, the promise of the Human Genome Project was mixed with unrealistic expectations. The “genomics revolution” was expected to be applied in the very near term to broad segments of the population. The public health genomics community called for a scientific approach to explore the balance of benefits and harms of the new science in both clinical and population health applications. Simultaneously, an international collaboration developed a road map for integration of emerging genomic technologies into health practice. A major achievement for public health genomics has been an enhanced dialogue among the basic, clinical and public health-related scientific communities. Public health genomics also has begun to prepare the workforce for integrating new tools in practice and for integrating genomics in public health’s essential functions of assessment, policy development, assurance and evaluation.

New Strategies For Public Health Genomics Beyond Newborn Screening

Categories: evidence-based medicine, family history, genomics, public health

Karen Greendale, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

A Working Meeting and an Action Plan
to Save Lives Now

Nearly 2 million Americans are affected by one of three genetic conditions with a strong risk of early morbidity and mortality: BRCA 1/2 and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer; Lynch syndrome and colorectal , endometrial and ovarian cancer; and familial hypercholesterolemia and early cardiovascular events.  At present these conditions are poorly identified by the healthcare system but evidence based recommendations are available to prevent disease and improve health.    


Opening speaker, Dr. Ursula Bauer Director, NCCDPHP discusses a point later in the day with Dr. Khoury, OPHG Director

Opening speaker, Dr. Ursula Bauer Director, NCCDPHP discusses a point later in the day with Dr. Khoury, OPHG Director

On September 7, 2012, eighty experts and stakeholders representing federal, state and local public health agencies, clinicians, key advocates and community leaders came together at CDC’s Roybal headquarters in Atlanta to develop a plan to use evidence based “Tier I” interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality from these three conditions.  The event was organized by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics (OPHG) with help from the University of Michigan Center for Public Health and Community Genomics, Genetic Alliance, and a multi-disciplinary planning committee. The full meeting report is published on the Genomics Forum website and is available for   download at  http://genomicsforum.org/editoruploads/ActionstoSaveLivesNowReport.pdf 

Smoke Screen…

Categories: genomics, public health, smoking

Never Let Genetics Blind You to the Harsh Reality of Cigarettes

The emerging field of genomics might one day provide some tools to help address the smoking epidemic.  However, smokers should never think that their genes can protect them from devastating harms or provide an easy way for them to quit later.

On March 15, 2012, CDC announced a national media campaign to encourage smokers to quit and prevent others, especially young people, from starting. The new communications initiative is different from past efforts because it includes graphic depictions of the real life damage that smoking does.  “Although they may be  tough to watch, the ads show real people living with real, painful consequences from smoking,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden. ” There is sound evidence that supports the use of these types of hard-hitting images and messages to encourage smokers to quit, to keep children from ever beginning to smoke, and to drastically reduce the harm caused by tobacco.”  

Where There is Smoke There is Fire… Addiction, and Yet Desire To Quit

A woman holding her throat Text: Terrie, 51 - I want to give your some tipsLast fall, CDC’s MMWR provided the latest data on cigarette smoking among working U.S. adults.  Smoking remains the single most important preventable cause of disease and death in the U.S., yet people of all descriptions, occupations, and backgrounds are addicted to nicotine.  Most want to stop, but find it very difficult.  More than one half had made an attempt to quit in the past year.

In recent years, more attention has been paid to the potential contribution of one’s genes to the risks of smoking addiction and harms.  To rephrase a common saying among geneticists: “Genes spill the fuel, but environment lights the match.”   In other words, one’s genome may predispose one to risk for certain diseases, but it is only when that vulnerability is combined with certain exposures that harm occurs.  Among behaviors that impact the incidence of disease, smoking is one of the most powerful “fire starters” in the world.   Some have argued that awareness of increased genetic risk (e.g., through family health history or valid genetic test) could lead some people to make positive changes in their behaviors including smoking cessation.  The good news is that people who do stop smoking sharply reduce their risk for disease and early death, and the earlier they stop, the better.

Ushering Public Health Practice into the 21st Century

Categories: genomics, public health

Public Health Genomics

The April 2012  special issue of the journal Public Health Genomics includes 13 articles from the many presentations at the 4th National Conference on Genomics and Public Health in the United States: “Using Genetic Information to Improve Health Now and In the Future”.  The three-day conference sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthe National Institutes of Health and other cosponsors was held December 2010 in Bethesda, Maryland, and attended by more than 700 participants. The conference brought together clinical and public health scientists and practitioners. The published articles showcase current work and consider future directions for applications of genomics to improve health, including behavioral interventions to prevent and control diseases, genetic services across the lifespan; family history tools for primary care; training and education of the public health workforce, and addressing health disparities through a genomics lens. The conference articles highlight the need for a strong scientific evidence base for applying genomics to improve health and prevent disease, consider gaps in the current health care delivery system, and address the schism between traditional public health departments and clinical care. The articles also discuss the implications of “genohype” and internet availability of genomic information on the development of new communication strategies for public health practice.

 
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