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| Genetics
and Public Health: The Future is Now |
Program Notes
Crucial Public Health Activities
in Genetics
- Assess the distribution of genetic variation
on disease and disability in different
communities.
- Assess the interaction of genetic variation
with modifiable risk factors.
- Evaluate the laboratory quality of genetic
tests. Evaluate the clinical validity
of genetic tests.
- Communicate and deliver genetic information
to various audiences
- Evaluate the impact of genetic testing
and services on different communities.
Hemochromatosis Testing
Methods
- Transferrin Saturation- measure serum
iron
- Genetic Test - tests for mutation in
HFE gene
Rapid gene discovery and the availability of genetic tests |
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Use of genetic information to improve health and prevent disease |
Public Health Steps to Bridge
the Gap
- Evaluate population data on validity
and utility of genetic tests.
- Compare the genetic versus the non-genetic
interventions.
- Cost-benefit and prevention-effectiveness
analyses
- Assess ethical, legal and social implications
of genetic information
- Decide the value of genetic information
for testing in the absence of complete data.
- Ensure that the right services are delivered
to the population.
- Evaluate programs.
Genetics Priorities for
Public Health
- develop a strategic plan
- training the workforce
- enhance surveillance and epidemiology
capacity
- build partnerships
- communicating genetics
Summary of Key Points
- Human disease results from the interaction
between genetic variation and modifiable environmental
risk factors, providing public health with opportunities to target
interventions.
- Public health leadership is needed to
ensure the successful translation of genetic discoveries into
actions that improve health and prevent disease.
- Genetics should be integrated into the
three essential public health functions of assessment, policy
development and assurance of access to health care.
- There is an urgent need for public health
planning to build genetics capacity across all major programs
and train the work force in genetics.
- As a society, we must guarantee that
genetic information will not be misused. Achieving that goal
may require additional legal protection to protect privacy and
prevent discrimination.
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