Your Genes, Your Health: Why Genetic Testing Is the Smartest Wellness Move You Can Make
Genetic testing is transforming preventive healthcare by revealing hidden disease risks and empowering individuals—especially women—to make informed choices
By now, we're used to thinking of our genes as the blueprint of who we are. But what if they could also serve as a map—guiding us through critical decisions about our health, long before any symptoms show up? With the rise of affordable, accessible genetic testing, that future is already here.
Take the chilling cases of sudden cardiac deaths among elite athletes or seemingly healthy young adults diagnosed with advanced cancers—often without warning or obvious risk factors. According to Dr. Ashok Gopinath, Head – Partner Development, Strand Life Sciences, such scenarios, though rare, highlight a crucial truth: 'It is quite well established that beyond advanced age and lifestyle, genes play a significant role in the onset of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions."
In fact, about 10% of all cancers have a hereditary basis. 'Inherited BRCA mutations, for instance, confer a 69–72% lifetime risk for breast cancer and a 17–44% risk for ovarian cancer," adds Dr. Gopinath. That's compared to baseline population risks of just 5–12% and less than 1%, respectively. Despite this, genetic testing has traditionally been recommended reactively—after symptoms, or a strong family history, surface.
But times are changing. Thanks to newer, non-invasive screening tools and plummeting costs, genetic testing is no longer a diagnostic tool of last resort—it's emerging as a proactive strategy. Tests like Genomic Health Insights (GHI) by Strand Life Sciences now allow individuals to screen for over 280 adult-onset genetic disorders, including various cancers and heart diseases, even in the absence of symptoms. 'We truly are fortunate to live in a time where every individual is empowered to take predictive tests and proactively understand their risk," says Dr. Gopinath.
As someone who treats hundreds of women facing fertility struggles, Dr. Lekhi sees genetic testing as a revolution. 'From uncovering hidden causes of infertility and miscarriage to detecting risks for PCOS, endometriosis, or premature ovarian failure, your DNA contains vital clues," she explains. And it doesn't stop there. For patients undergoing IVF, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) helps select the healthiest embryos, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), on the other hand, offers peace of mind by detecting chromosomal abnormalities early in pregnancy.
Most importantly, genetic insights can help women take control of their reproductive futures. 'Whether it's freezing eggs at 20 or addressing inherited conditions before they compromise fertility, the possibilities are staggering," says Dr. Lekhi. 'Your genes aren't your fate—they're your map. And genetic screening? That's the compass guiding you intelligently."
As science gives us more tools to understand our biology, the message is clear: we no longer have to wait for a diagnosis to act. In the evolving landscape of personalised healthcare, knowing your genetic risk may be the most empowering move you can make—for today and for the years to come.
First Published:
May 11, 2025, 17:50 IST
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