Category: genetic testing
Celebrating a Decade of Evidence-Based Evaluation of Genomic Tests
CDC’s Office of Public Health Genomics (OPHG) launched the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Initiative (EGAPP) in 2004. The independent EGAPP Working Group (EWG) celebrated a decade of achievements and accomplishments at their meeting in Atlanta on October 27-28, 2014. The EWG is comprised entirely of volunteers, encompassing multiples areas of expertise Read More >
Posted on byEpigenetics and Public Health: Why We Should Pay Attention
In September 2014, one of us (MJK) spoke on the topic of epigenetics at the Annual Meeting of the Association for State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). ASTHO is a national organization representing public health agencies in the United States. ASTHO members formulate and influence public health policy and practice. In the midst of a Read More >
Posted on byWhen Should We All Have Our Genomes Sequenced?
Recently, George Church, a prominent genomics researcher and leader of the Personal Genome Project asked why so few people are opting to inspect their genome. The cost and accuracy of genome sequencing have certainly improved dramatically. He clearly sees the health benefits of whole genome sequencing. He states “we should avoid being judgmental of people Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsA Public Health Genomic State-by-State Clickable Map: Accelerating Implementation of Genomics Applications to Improve Population Health
In recent years, public health programs in several states have used innovative approaches to implement evidence-based genomic testing recommendations in an effort to improve health outcomes for people at increased hereditary risk for breast, ovarian, colorectal and other cancers. For example, the Michigan Department of Community Health [PDF 1.04 MB] has partnered with payers in Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentNew Products from the EGAPP Working Group: Further Development of Evidence Review Methodology and More Recommendations in Genomic Medicine
The independent EGAPP working group (EWG) held its 27th meeting on May 13-14, 2013 via a virtual online venue. The EWG has been very active since the last meeting. Highlights included: The EWG has four new publications since the last meeting: Recommendations from the EGAPP Working Group: does genomic profiling to assess type 2 diabetes Read More >
Posted on byAccelerating the Development of Evidence Reviews and Recommendations in Genomic Medicine
The independent EGAPP working group (EWG) held its 26th meeting on February 11-12, 2013 at the CDC campus in Atlanta. Highlights included: Three EWG recommendation statements on the validity and utility of genetic tests are pending publication on: KRAS, BRAF and other markers involved in EGFR signaling, which are used to inform choice of therapies for Read More >
Posted on byHow Can We Use Genetic Testing in Population Screening for Common Diseases?
Scientific and implementation challenges Population screening for disease is a concept that has been around for many decades. Its main purpose is early detection and treatment of asymptomatic disease, or risk assessment and prevention of future disease, in order to improve health outcomes in individuals and populations. Examples include mammography in breast cancer screening and Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentWhat’s the Connection Between Polio Eradication and Primary Immunodeficiency?
A Public Health Role for Human Genetics Two non-profit foundations with distinct missions recently announced that they are joining forces to support polio eradication. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) supports global health programs; the Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF) advocates for early diagnosis and treatment of genetic immunodeficiency disorders. How did these organizations find common Read More >
Posted on byNew Strategies For Public Health Genomics Beyond Newborn Screening
A Working Meeting and an Action Plan to Save Lives Now Nearly 2 million Americans are affected by one of three genetic conditions with a strong risk of early morbidity and mortality: BRCA 1/2 and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer; Lynch syndrome and colorectal , endometrial and ovarian cancer; and familial hypercholesterolemia and early cardiovascular events. At Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsEvidence Matters in Genomic Medicine—Round 3: Integrating Family Health History into Clinical Preventive Services
A new podcast from the CDC Expert Commentary Series on Medscape—Family Health History: Use It to Inform Preventive Services for Your Patients— describes how family health history can inform the delivery of preventive health services. The podcast presents three case studies based on recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): screening for lipid Read More >
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