Genetic Techniques in Public Health

Disease-related genetic variants that have been characterized include those associated with rare diseases as well as those that increase susceptibility to common chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Risk for almost all human diseases results from the interactions between inherited gene variants and environmental factors, including chemical, physical, and infectious agents, as well as behavioral or nutritional factors. Thus it appears reasonable to direct disease-prevention and health-promotion efforts toward individuals at high risk because of their genetic makeup.

To function effectively, public health genetics needs to meet several challenges, including (1) the implementation of research, (2) the evaluation of genetic information and tests, (3) the development, implementation, and evaluation of population interventions, and (4) effective communication and information dissemination. With the realization that all human disease is the result of interactions between genetic variation and the environment (dietary, infectious, chemical, physical, and social factors), it becomes evident that it is important to identify the modifiable risk factors for disease that interact with the genetic variation. This approach can be used to help develop preventive strategies. To be able to deliver appropriate genetic tests and services for disease prevention and health promotion, it is important to integrate genetic services into disease-prevention and health-promotion activities.