Most chronic health issues – including cancer – are considered to be “lifestyle” diseases; that is, diet and lifestyle play a large role. But why are some people affected – even if they lead apparently healthy lives – while others are not? The answer starts with our DNA.
Genetics studies the impact of DNA on the risk for inherited diseases, including certain cancers. Genomics is a newer branch of genetics that looks at smaller changes in DNA called single nucleotide polymorphisms (“SNPs” for short). Rather than directly causing disease, SNPs have smaller individual impact on biological systems with the potential to alter someone’s health. The key to whether they support health or create disease is how they interact with each other and the environment over time. In most cases, chronic diseases and cancers arise from imbalances in our bodies that exist over years.
https://genomicmedicineworks.com/genetics-genomics
While the research continues to grow every day, we already have much information on these core biochemical and metabolic systems, and how certain disruptions can lead to chronic disease and cancer. We are also understanding how specific gene polymorphisms (SNPs) influence predispositions to these disruptions and can then increase risk of developing disease or cancer. And that’s where the exciting part comes in, because that gives us the power to do something about it.
With knowledge of a person’s DNA blueprint, we can identify with more precision those who are predisposed to specific imbalances that can lead to various cancers, as well as specific dietary and lifestyle interventions that address these systems at their root and mitigate their risk. This is called nutritional genomics.
https://genomicmedicineworks.com/nutritional-genomics-2
To date, we have actionable information on the influence of many gene SNPs on these key biochemical and biological systems that predispose to most cancers and chronic diseases. We also have specific, clinically useful information on predispositions as dietary and lifestyle interventions for a wide range of cancers including: breast, prostate, cervical, gastric, colon, lung, skin, uterine.
But even for those with genetic mutations that greatly increase the risk of hereditary diseases and cancers, genomics is offering hope too. A recent study looked at BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer, Lynch syndrome and familial hypercholesterolemia. Each of these is associated with specific genetic mutations that increase risk by anywhere from 3-30%. But when they looked closer, they found that gene SNPs modify those risks greatly. This is so exciting, because it changes the whole conversation around how to help people with these genetic mutations.
https://genomicmedicineworks.com/using-a-polygenic-genomics-approach-to-modify-genetic-disease-risk
Oncogenomics, or looking at the DNA of the tumor, is another growing use of genomics to enable personalized treatment of cancers. With this approach, patients can be better triaged into what treatments will work best for their specific tumors. Already it has changed the way we address breast cancer, and research is widening the application to many more tumors.
And for those that do need medication for management or chemotherapy, it is also important to look at the DNA of the person who receives those treatments, not just the DNA of the tumor. This is called pharmacogenomics, and is an effective way we can minimize toxicity and maximize effectiveness specific to each person, each drug, every time.https://genomicmedicineworks.com/pharmacogenomics
But a person’s DNA is just the beginning. Health is the result of multiple influences on our biochemistry, all of which interact with our DNA. These include environment, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, stress, emotions and beliefs. A model I have found particularly effective for addressing all of these interactions is the GENESIS Matrix®, a holistic clinical model that integrates all of these under 7 “buckets”: genes, environment, nutrition, emotions, stress, inflammation and spirituality. We call this holistic, DNA-guided approach Genomic Medicine.
https://genomicmedicineworks.com/genesis-matrix
The greatest power of Genomic Medicine as related to cancer is in providing clinicians and their patients more specific information to prevent or greatly delay cancer occurrence, or enhance treatment and reduce recurrence in those already diagnosed. With a personalized roadmap, each person can now feel empowered with knowledge about his or her body, understand the “why” of their own health and disease, and how to act upon that knowledge to take control of his or her health.
Source: Dr. Roberta Kline
Dr. Roberta Kline is a board-certified Ob-Gyn physician, educator, genomic medicine expert, author and entrepreneur leading the way in the genomic revolution. As co-founder and CEO of Genomic Medicine Works, she supports clinicians in using a holistic approach to DNA-directed care to empower their patients with personalized solutions for health of mind, body and spirit.
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