Local project using genetics for health care

Guy Lucas, The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·2 min read

Nov. 8—TRIAD — A new five-year health project will seek to get 100,000 people in the Triad, including in Guilford and Randolph counties, to sign up to be genetically tested for their propensity for certain health conditions.

The hope is that the project will show that genetic testing can lead to not only better health care but also prevention of many health problems, Cone Health said Tuesday when announcing the project.

"It is expected that the effort will result in better, more effective care for people who develop health conditions and information that people and their providers can use to potentially delay, reduce or even prevent illness," the announcement said. "The program will also help Cone Health uncover what risks might be occurring at disproportionate levels within communities, better understand the health of the overall population and build wellness programs for the broader community."

Cone Health is joining with Helix, which it described as "the leading population genomics company in the nation." Helix works with health systems across the country to identify people at risk for diseases and conditions based on inherited genetic mutations.

Dr. James Lu, Helix's CEO and co-founder, said the project will help "individuals work with their doctors to take greater control of their health."

Cone Health is just the latest in a series of health systems that have announced similar genetic testing projects with Helix.

One hope of the multiple projects is that analysis of the aggregate research gathered will help provide some insights on the root causes of many diseases and the most effective treatments for them, according to the joint announcement last month by Helix and WellSpan Health in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Cone Health is seeking enrollees in Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham and Randolph counties and beyond. Enrollment in the program is optional and free. Participants will be screened for genetic predisposition for certain diseases and conditions, such as breast and ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer and high cholesterol.

Beyond what's included in this program, Helix will also provide Cone Health with the ability to screen for additional health conditions without the patients having to provide an additional genetic sample, the announcement said.