Introduction
Genetics and genomics are two of the most rapidly enhancing fields in modern healthcare and are already beginning to have a sizable impact on how diseases are diagnosed, treated, and managed. As these technologies become more advanced and accessible, the potential to reduce healthcare disparities is tremendous. In this paper, the ways in which genetics and genomics can reduce healthcare disparities will be discussed, as will the potential challenges that may arise.
Main Body
First, the use of genetic and genomic examination can help identify diseases and other health conditions in individuals before they manifest symptoms. This early detection can lead to earlier and more effective treatment and can prevent health issues from becoming more severe and difficult to treat (Stark et al., 2019). For example, genetic testing can be used to identify genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, allowing those with increased risk to take preventative measures to reduce their risk. Second, genetic and genomic testing can improve the correctness of diagnoses and treatments. For instance, genetic testing can help doctors identify rare illnesses more quickly and guide the selection of medications that are most likely to be operational for a particular patient. This identification can lead to more effective treatments and improved outcomes, particularly for minority and underserved populations, where many diseases are not well identified.
Finally, genetic and genomic testing can help reduce healthcare disparities by providing more individualized treatments. By analyzing a patient’s genome, doctors can tailor treatments more accurately to the individual’s needs, leading to more effective and less expensive treatments (Stark et al., 2019). This reason can be especially advantageous for minority and underserved populations, who may not have admission to the same level of healthcare as the general population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, genetics and genomics have the promise to reduce healthcare disparities by improving diagnoses and treatments, as well as requiring more personalized care. However, there are potential challenges that must be addressed to ensure that these technologies are accessible and used ethically. With appropriate precautions in place, genetics and genomics can go a long way toward upgrading healthcare for all.
Reference
Stark, Z., Dolman, L., Manolio, T. A., Ozenberger, B., Hill, S. L., Caulfied, M. J., & North, K. N. (2019). Integrating genomics into healthcare: A global responsibility. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 104(1), 13-20.
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