The Human Genome Project
Researchers mapped the entire human genetic code, discovering that every human cell is packed with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 genes permitting individualized analysis based on each person’s genetic code.
In short, it enabled a powerful form of preventive, personalized, and preemptive medicine.
By personalizing treatment to each person’s DNA, health care professionals can work with individuals to focus efforts on specific strategies that are most likely to maintain health for that particular individual, and in some cases their family as well.
Hereditary Cancer Assessment
For those of us with a family history of a certain conditions or diseases, getting a DNA assessment before we have symptoms may show if we're at risk of developing that condition. For example, this type of test may be useful for identifying whether or not we and/or our family are at higher risk of hereditary breast, prostate ,colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic or other cancers.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
is a DNA assessment that looks at how genetic variations affect our individual response to a medication. This science combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to help doctors select the drugs, combination of drugs, and doses best suited for us as individuals, based on our genetic makeup.
For example, on an individualized basis, pharmacogenomic tests can identify the most effective blood-thinner or anti-depressant and their dosages, or if codeine will in fact metabolize to morphine, which it must do to be an effective pain reliever.