Genomics is the study of a person’s genome or DNA which enables the identification and diagnosis of genetic conditions, as well as the risk of disease to you and your family. Most differences in our DNA have no impact on our health or wellbeing. However, some can affect our health and may cause a genetic condition or influence a predisposition towards developing a specific condition or disease, such as bowel, ovarian, or breast cancer.
Having access to genomic testing and receiving a diagnosis means you have time to consider, with your healthcare professional, the next best steps forward.
Genomic information can also be used to identify an individual’s response to prescribed medication, known as pharmacogenomics.
Pharmacogenomics helps to reduce severe side effects of medication, by identifying a change in a patient’s DNA that is linked to a particular response to a specific drug or treatment, for example, chemotherapy. It also provides the opportunity to manage drug choice and dosage more effectively.
To learn more about specific projects by clinical specialism, please visit our Regional and National Projects section of this site.