{"id":92709,"date":"2025-05-11T12:25:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-11T12:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/92709\/"},"modified":"2025-05-11T12:25:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-11T12:25:09","slug":"your-genes-your-health-why-genetic-testing-is-the-smartest-wellness-move-you-can-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/92709\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Genes, Your Health: Why Genetic Testing Is the Smartest Wellness Move You Can Make"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Updated:May 11, 2025, 17:53 IST<\/p>\n

Genetic testing is transforming preventive healthcare by revealing hidden disease risks and empowering individuals\u2014especially women\u2014to make informed choices\"As<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

By now, we\u2019re used to thinking of our genes as the blueprint of who we are. But what if they could also serve as a map\u2014guiding 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.<\/p>\n

Take the chilling cases of sudden cardiac deaths among elite athletes or seemingly healthy young adults diagnosed with advanced cancers\u2014often without warning or obvious risk factors. According to Dr. Ashok Gopinath, Head \u2013 Partner Development, Strand Life Sciences, such scenarios, though rare, highlight a crucial truth: \u201cIt 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.”<\/p>\n

In fact, about 10% of all cancers have a hereditary basis. \u201cInherited BRCA mutations, for instance, confer a 69\u201372% lifetime risk for breast cancer and a 17\u201344% risk for ovarian cancer,” adds Dr. Gopinath. That\u2019s compared to baseline population risks of just 5\u201312% and less than 1%, respectively. Despite this, genetic testing has traditionally been recommended reactively\u2014after symptoms, or a strong family history, surface.<\/p>\n

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\u2014it\u2019s 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. \u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n

This is particularly powerful when it comes to reproductive health. \u201cWhat if a quick test could say not only what your health is like today, but your likelihood of becoming a mother tomorrow?” asks Dr. Anshika Lekhi, gynaecologist and IVF specialist, The Fertilife, Gurgaon and a member of Doctube.<\/p>\n

As someone who treats hundreds of women facing fertility struggles, Dr. Lekhi sees genetic testing as a revolution. \u201cFrom 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Most importantly, genetic insights can help women take control of their reproductive futures. \u201cWhether it\u2019s freezing eggs at 20 or addressing inherited conditions before they compromise fertility, the possibilities are staggering,” says Dr. Lekhi. \u201cYour genes aren\u2019t your fate\u2014they\u2019re your map. And genetic screening? That\u2019s the compass guiding you intelligently.”<\/p>\n

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\u2014for today and for the years to come.<\/p>\n

The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health<\/a>,\u00a0fashion<\/a>,\u00a0travel<\/a>,\u00a0food<\/a>, and culture \u2014 with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the\u00a0News18 App<\/a>\u00a0to stay updated!<\/p>\n