What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of a person’s genes, as well as the interactions between genes and with the environment. It is shown in the diagram below:

What does genomics mean for health?

• Almost all known diseases have a genetic basis
• Around 5% of cancers are inherited
• Early onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and osteoporosis are often due to an inherited genetic predisposition
• Environment interacts with genes to increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes, asthma and autoimmune disorders
• Living longer means we are more likely to get diseases that occur more often as we age such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and degenerative disorders
• Social changes, such as women having children later are associated with:
  • an increased number of pregnancies that are at risk of fetal anomalies; and
  • increased requirements for antenatal screening and diagnosis.