25 - Genetics, rhetoric and policy

Summary

By 2010, the [human] genome will help identify people at highest risk of particular diseases, so monitoring efforts can focus on them …

In cancer, genetic tests will identify those at highest risk for lung cancer from smoking. Genetic tests for colon cancer will narrow colonoscopy screening to people who need it most. A genetic test for prostate cancer could lead to more precise use of the prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test by identifying those men in whom the cancer is most likely to progress fastest. Additional genetic tests would guide treatment of breast and ovarian cancer.

Three or four genetic tests will help predict an individual's risk for developing coronary artery disease, thus helping to determine when to start drugs and other measures to reduce need for bypass operations.

Tests predicting a high risk for diabetes should help encourage susceptible individuals to exercise and control their weight. Those at higher risk might start taking drugs before they develop symptoms.

Scientists have a partial insight into the genetics of osteoporosis. With further research, Dr Collins said, ‘you could imagine combining that kind of a test with a decision to start calcium and vitamin D therapy early on to try to prevent bone loss before it is clinically apparent, although we don't yet have evidence’ that such therapy will benefit individuals at high risk for osteoporosis.

The quote above is a journalist's paraphrase of the predictions of Francis S. Collins, who has led the Human Genome Project since 1993.