Know the Significance of Medical Genetics Awareness Week

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

• favorite0Like

  favoriteBe the First to Like

  • content_copy Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  ios_shareShare

Medical Genetics Awareness Week is observed to raise awareness about the role of genetics in healthcare. Genetics, the study of genes and their role in the development and functioning of various organisms is a key focus of the week. 

Medical Genetics Awareness Week is a time to learn about the latest advances in genetics research and how they are being used to improve human health. This week also aims to impart awareness about various genetic disorders and how genetic testing and counselling can help detect and treat such diseases in a timely manner.

Before going into genetics, let us first understand the concept of genes.

What are Genes?

Genes are DNA segments that carry instructions for various traits in organisms, such as color, height, weight, and sex, etc. As the basic units of heredity, they are passed down from parents to the offsprings through generations. Our genetic traits, influenced by family history, impact our susceptibility to certain diseases.

What is the Significance of Medical Genetics Awareness Week?

Medical Genetics Awareness Week is a time to consider various issues related to genetics and birth defects. Some of them are discussed below:

• Genetics play a decisive role in determining our health and well-being.
• Changes in our genes cause genetic disorders.
• Genetic testing can help people at risk for genetic disorders.
• Genetic counselling can help people know their genetic risks so that they can make wise decisions about their healthcare.
• This week also highlights the potential of various advances in genetics. Gene therapy is one promising new treatment for genetic disorders.

Medical Genetics Awareness Week celebrates the progress made in genetics and raises awareness about its importance in human health.

What was the History of Medical Genetics Awareness Week?

The inaugural Medical Genetics Awareness Week was in 2019. Healthcare professionals, hospitals, clinics, universities, and individuals from more than 35 other countries participated in the event, including:

• Mexico
• Germany 
• Canada
• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• The Netherlands 
• France
• India
• Argentina 
• The United States of America

The primary goal of the inaugural Medical Genetics Awareness Week was to highlight the essential work of medical geneticists.

What is the Theme of Medical Genetics Awareness Week 2025?

The official theme of Medical Genetics Awareness Week 2025 will be—

“Celebrating the Contributions of the Entire Medical Genetics Team to Patient Care & Public Health.” 

What Can We Learn About During Medical Genetics Awareness Week?

People can learn about several things during Medical Genetics Awareness Week, including:

• What is the significance of genetics in our health and well-being?
• How are genetic disorders caused by changes in our genes?
• How can genetic testing help identify people at risk for genetic disorders?
• How can genetic counseling help people know the genetic risks and help them make health care decisions?

In the following sub-heads, we will be dealing with all the above queries related to genetics.

What is the Role of Genetics in Health & Well-being?

Genetics plays a crucial role in determining our health and well-being. Differences in our genes can cause various genetic disorders. Through the proper genetic testing process, symptoms of possible genetic disorders can be easily detected. Genetic counselling can help you know about your genetic risks so that you can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Medical Genetics Awareness Week celebrates the progress made in genetics and raises awareness about its importance in human health.

How are Genetic Disorders Caused by Changes in our Genes?

Genetic disorders are caused by changes in our genes. Since genes are the basic heredity units passed down from parents to their children, they determine our physical traits and influence our susceptibility to certain diseases. Changes in our genes can disrupt their normal function and cause genetic disorders.

How can Genetic Testing help Identify Genetic Disorders?

Genetic testing helps in identifying people who are vulnerable to genetic disorders by analysing their genes for changes that may cause disease. Here's how it works:

• Genes and Genetic Disorders: Genes are the basic heredity units passed down from parents to their children. They determine our physical traits and influence our susceptibility to certain diseases. Changes in our genes can cause genetic disorders.
• Genetic Testing: These may be individual or a series of tests that analyse a person's genes for these changes. It can be done using various methods, including blood, saliva, and tissue samples.
• Identifying Risk: If a genetic test reveals a change in a gene that is known to cause a particular disorder, then the person is at increased risk for developing that disorder.
• Informed Decisions: Genetic testing can help people become aware of their genetic risks and make informed decisions about their healthcare. For instance, if someone detects a high risk of getting a particular cancer type through a genetic test, they can learn what types of treatments or preventative surgery can be covered under their medical insurance.

Do Genetic Tests Always Reveal Exact Results Every Time?

No, genetic testing may not always be perfect. Sometimes, interpreting false positives or false negatives outcomes of genetic tests is quite challenging. Besides, genetic testing is just one piece of the puzzle to detect an individual's risk of genetic disorders. Additionally, other factors such as family history, lifestyle habits, environment, and work-life balance also play a significant role in the prognosis of a critical illness.

How can Genetic Counselling Help in Dealing with Genetic Risks?

Genetic counselling can help people understand their genetic risks in several ways:

• Explaining genetic test results: Genetic counsellors are trained to interpret and explain complex genetic information. They can help individuals understand what their genetic test results mean, including the implications for their health and the health of their family members.
• Assessing risk: Genetic counsellors can determine an individual's genetic disorder risk according to family history, medical background, and genetic test outcomes. They can also help individuals understand the likelihood of passing on a genetic disorder to their children.
• Counselling: Genetic counsellors help in providing emotional support and proper guidance to people and their families facing emotional and psychological issues during genetic disorders and their testing.
• Facilitating informed decision-making: Genetic counsellors can help individuals make wise decisions about their healthcare. This includes regular genetic testing, treatment options, and family planning.

In a nutshell, genetic counsellors act as a bridge between complex genetic information and individuals and families, empowering them to understand and manage their genetic risks.

What are the Different Methods used in Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing analyses genes through various methods, including:

• Blood tests: You need to give your blood sample to be analysed for gene differences.
• Saliva tests: A sample of your saliva may also be collected and analysed for genetic material.
• Tissue samples: A tissue sample may sometimes be required for genetic testing. A strand of hair, a piece of nail, or an inner skin peel can be used as a tissue sample.

These samples are then examined in a biotech laboratory setting to identify any gene variations or mutations that may be associated with a particular genetic disorder.

It's important to remember that genetic testing is a complex process, and the results can sometimes be challenging to interpret.

From the above, you can understand the procedure and significance of genetic testing in determining whether you have birth defects or other factors that may cause certain genetic disorders.

Besides, you must pay particular attention to health insurance coverage for specific genetic disorders.

Know your Genetic Defects Before Filing Mediclaim

Many individuals face unexpected mediclaim rejections due to the detection of certain genetic defects by their insurer. Frequently, health insurance companies do not cover diseases caused by genetic disorders. Therefore, undergoing proper genetic testing is important to understand such genetic factors and the scope of your disease's coverage

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.