Using Genetic Technologies To Reduce, Rather Than Widen, Health Disparities

• Published in: Health Affairs Vol. 35; no. 8; pp. 1367 - 1373
• Main Authors: Smith, Caren E, Fullerton, Stephanie M, Dookeran, Keith A, Hampel, Heather, Tin, Adrienne, Maruthur, Nisa M, Schisler, Jonathan C, Henderson, Jeffrey A, Tucker, Katherine L, Ordovás, José M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The People to People Health Foundation, Inc., Project HOPE 01-08-2016
• Subjects: Access; African Americans - genetics; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - genetics; Breast Neoplasms - prevention & control; Cultural differences; Disadvantaged; Disadvantaged groups; Disease; Epigenetics; Female; Genetic Diseases, Inborn - prevention & control; Genetic research; Genetic testing; Genetic Testing - economics; Genetic Testing - methods; Genetic Testing - statistics & numerical data; Genetics; Health disparities; Health Status Disparities; Healthcare Disparities; Hispanic Americans; Hispanic Americans - genetics; Humans; Literacy; Male; Medicine; Minority & ethnic groups; Minority Groups; Needs Assessment; Ovarian cancer; Population genetics; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic - genetics; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic - prevention & control; Risk Assessment; Socioeconomic Factors; United States; Womens health; United States > US; Massachusetts; Minority Health; Public Health; Determinants Of Health; Disparities; Research And Technology
• ISSN: 0278-2715; 1544-5208
• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.1476

Evidence shows that both biological and nonbiological factors contribute to health disparities. Genetics, in particular, plays a part in how common diseases manifest themselves. Today, unprecedented advances in genetically based diagnoses and treatments provide opportunities for personalized medicine. However, disadvantaged groups may lack access to these advances, and treatments based on research on non-Hispanic whites might not be generalizable to members of minority groups. Unless genetic technologies become universally accessible, existing disparities could be widened. Addressing this issue will require integrated strategies, including expanding genetic research, improving genetic literacy, and enhancing access to genetic technologies among minority populations in a way that avoids harms such as stigmatization.