Black History Month: Leveraging Genetics for a Personalized Health Plan

Key Takeaways Personalized medicine disrupts “one-size-fits-all” healthcare by using genetic data to address health risks that disproportionately affect the Black and African American community. By reviewing genetic health and pharmacogenetics reports with doctors, individuals can transition from awareness to action, enabling more tailored, effective, and personalized healthcare. Participation in genetic research is vital for creating inclusive datasets. The 23andMe Research Institute uses the world’s largest African ancestry research cohort to drive discoveries that lead to more accurate risk assessments and treatments for all.

Black History Month is a time for reflection, it is also a time for action. Last year, we focused on specific health risks that disproportionately affect the Black and African American community. This year, we are discussing how to leverage that knowledge to proactively change your future.

Beyond “One-Size-Fits-All” Healthcare 

The traditional healthcare system often relies on a “cookie-cutter” approach: at its best, treating everyone the same; at its worst, allowing bias and discrimination to influence clinical decisions. The goal of personalized medicine is to disrupt this by recognizing that every individual has unique risks, lifestyles, histories, and cultural contexts. By taking into account these unique considerations healthcare professionals can work with you to develop a personalized preventive health plan. 

A vital component of this process is understanding your unique genetic makeup. Your DNA provides some of the key data necessary for productive, personalized conversations with your doctor.

Using Genetic Health Results to Take Personalized Action

A first step towards developing a personalized preventive health plan can include reviewing your genetic health reports. Focus on conditions known to disproportionately impact the Black and African American community, but don’t overlook your pharmacogenetics results.

Pharmacogenetics explores how genetic variants influence how your body processes certain medications. These variants explain why some people experience more side effects or find specific treatments less effective.

Once you have reviewed your genetic data, you can bring these insights to your healthcare professional. Most clinicians recognize that genetics provides a critical data point in understanding the whole picture for their patients. 23andMe recently published a study showing that when research participants take their results to their doctors they receive personalized medical recommendations, and the vast majority of members follow through on those recommendations. Sharing your genetic results empowers your doctor to provide preventative actions tailored to you.

It’s also important to review your Pharmacogenetics Reports* (available to 23andMe+ Premium™ members) with your clinician even if you aren’t currently taking medications. Having this information on file can allow your doctor to select the right medication and dosage from the start if you ever need treatment in the future.

Discussing Genetic Results With Your Doctor Starting a conversation about genetic results can feel daunting, but preparation builds confidence. While your specific questions will depend on your results, use this checklist as a starting guide for your visit. Remember to bring: Your 23andMe results. Your personal and family health history. A list of symptoms you have experienced (if any). A list of all medications, vitamins, minerals, and/or herbal supplements you are taking (if any). Questions to ask your doctor: Is there any additional testing I should consider? Are there specific symptoms I should be on the lookout for? When would I need to make another appointment (for example, new symptoms or regular check-ups)? Are my parents, children, or siblings at risk? It can help to work with a supportive healthcare community that may include a combination of healthcare professionals, advocacy and community-based groups (for example, groups like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance or Sickle Cell 101 who help offer specialized resources), and peer and family support. This encouraging and supportive system may help you to better understand additional risk factors you may have, can help you reduce and manage risks, and feel empowered to make healthy lifestyle choices.

The Future of Inclusive Research

Closing health disparity gaps requires active participation in the science that shapes health outcomes. When scientists have representative data, they can discover insights that lead to more accurate risk assessments and more effective treatments for the Black and African American community.

This is one of the reasons the 23andMe Research Institute continues to prioritize genetic studies on conditions that impact this community. This work is only possible through the participation of those who make up the world’s largest genetic research cohort of individuals with African ancestry. Research participants aren’t just learning about their past, they are taking action to build a more equitable future.

* 23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Results for SLCO1B1 and DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.  Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetic reports, visit www.23andMe.com/test-info.