Category: public health

Implementing Evidence-based Genomics Recommendations at the Intersection of Public Health and Healthcare

several publications from Michigan

We take the opportunity of March 22, 2013, designated as Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day by 13 U.S. state governors and counting, to highlight state public health genomics programs that are taking innovative approaches to implement evidence-based genomic testing recommendations for hereditary cancer syndromes, including Lynch syndrome.  Read More >

Posted on by Jenna McLosky and Debra Duquette, Michigan Department of Community Health Beverly Burke and Joan Foland, Connecticut Department of Public HealthTags , ,

Accelerating the Development of Evidence Reviews and Recommendations in Genomic Medicine

EGAPP logo

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 by Michael P. Douglas and W. David Dotson, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTags , , ,

How Can We Use Genetic Testing in Population Screening for Common Diseases?

People on the street

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 Muin J Khoury, Director, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 CommentTags , ,

Public Health Genomics: 15 Years On

double helix with the number 15

In 2012, the United States and the United Kingdom marked 15 years of public health genomics, a multidisciplinary field that deals with the effective and responsible translation of genome-based science to improve population health. Fifteen years ago, a new era of personalized healthcare and disease prevention seemed only around the corner. However, the promise of Read More >

Posted on by Muin J Khoury, Director, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTags , ,

New Strategies For Public Health Genomics Beyond Newborn Screening

Opening speaker, Dr. Ursula Bauer Director, NCCDPHP discusses a point later in the day with Dr. Khoury, OPHG Director

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 Scott Bowen and Karen Greendale, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention2 CommentsTags , , ,

Evidence Matters in Genomic Medicine- Round 2: Integrating Cancer Genomic Tests

stacked boxes with lettering

  In a previous blog, CDC’s Office of Public Health Genomics announced a list of health-related genomic tests and applications, stratified into three tiers according to the availability of scientific evidence and evidence-based recommendations as a result of systematic reviews.  The list is intended to promote information exchange and dialogue among researchers, providers, policy makers, and Read More >

Posted on by Michael P. Douglas and W. David Dotson, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 CommentTags , , ,

Sharing the Burden of Obesity

world globe balanced on top of a scale including a DNA strand as the equator

  On May 7-9, the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, hosted a conference on Weight of the Nation™ in Washington, D.C.  The conference served to highlight progress in the prevention and control of obesity through policy and environmental strategies. The­ Weight of the Nation is also the title of an HBO Documentary Read More >

Posted on by Marta Gwinn, Consultant, McKing Consulting Corp, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 CommentTags , , , ,

Genomic Tests and Population Health: An Online Catalog to Promote a Conversation on Evolving Evidence

stacked boxed with A T C G on them

  With the rapid emergence of genomic tests, healthcare providers, patients and policy makers need to know how useful they are and whether the benefits of their use outweigh potential harms to patients, families, and the population. CDC’s Office of Public Health Genomics now offers a list of health-related genomic tests and applications, stratified into Read More >

Posted on by Muin J Khoury, Director, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention4 CommentsTags , , , , ,

Smoke Screen…

A woman holding her throat Text: Terrie, 51 - I want to give your some tips

  Never Let Genetics Blind You to the Harsh Reality of Cigarettes The emerging field of genomics might one day provide some tools to help address the smoking epidemic.  However, smokers should never think that their genes can protect them from devastating harms or provide an easy way for them to quit later. In 2012, Read More >

Posted on by Scott Bowen, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers For Disease Control and PreventionTags , , ,

Ushering Public Health Practice into the 21st Century

Public Health Genomics

The April 2012  special issue of the journal Public Health Genomics includes 13 articles from the many presentations at the 4th National Conference on Genomics and Public Health in the United States: “Using Genetic Information to Improve Health Now and In the Future”.  The three-day conference sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Read More >

Posted on by Muin J Khoury, Director, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTags , ,