Why Genomics Matters

What is DNA, and how does Genomic Analysis Optimize Health

 

A frequently discussed topic in the news and on social media is DNA. The scientific community has made many breakthroughs, and in August 2025, a clinical study demonstrated that a simple blood test can detect fragments of DNA, allowing for earlier detection of certain cancers compared to MRI, CT, or PET scans. Many people have a limited understanding of DNA, often recognizing it as the source of defining traits like hair color, eye color, and height. While DNA does provide the foundation for these human characteristics, it is much more complex; it serves as a blueprint for the function of every cell in our body. 

Although each cell contains the exact same DNA blueprint, we end up with different cell types—such as hair, skin, muscle, heart, kidney, and brain—because DNA is coded in a way that can be read in various ways, leading to the formation of diverse tissues. This is truly amazing! Genomic medicine, also known as precision medicine, is tailored uniquely to each individual. Scientists agree that both DNA and environmental factors contribute to our genetic predispositions toward certain diseases. The environment encompasses the choices we make in life. 

If you were aware that you had a genetic predisposition to develop heart disease or experience sudden death, would you reconsider your lifestyle choices? This question applies to all ages, and there are always choices to be made. 

Genomic medicine represents the future and serves as a tool for preventive health care. However, the problem with Western medicine is that its payment structure focuses primarily on diagnosing and treating diseases. Genomic medicine has the potential to prevent diseases, but our current medical system does not recognize reimbursement for preventive measures. Unless you have cancer that practitioners are actively trying to put into remission, the preventive aspect of genomic medicine tends to be overlooked. Often, practitioners wait until a disease develops before addressing it. 

A good example of genetic prevention involves a compound known as LP(a). Some individuals carry a gene that causes exceedingly high levels of LP(a), which is linked to plaque production in the arteries. Unfortunately, many cardiologists argue that there is no need to look for high LP(a) levels until a pharmaceutical company develops a treatment for it. This perspective is misleading, as there are ways to manage elevated LP(a) levels, including lifestyle changes and certain medications. However, insurance companies often refuse to cover these treatments. This raises the question: are they essentially saying, “Why identify something that could be costly to prevent when we could simply wait for a disease to emerge and treat it then?” 

All doctors know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Thus, their approach has become one of waiting for a heart attack to occur, at which point they can begin ordering procedures such as angiograms, placing stents, and generating bills.