DANVILLE – Geisinger has reached a milestone in its comprehensive genomic research and treatment programs.
Geisinger’s MyCode Community Health Initiative has enrolled 350,000 participants and that makes it the largest healthcare system-based genetic study in the U.S. By using DNA information from participating patients, and matching that up with health care data, they say they’re helping to improve health outcomes.
Geisinger says MyCode was one of the first programs to return clinically actionable genetic results to patients, identifying over 5,000 individuals at increased risk for conditions like hereditary breast and colon cancers, heart disease, and high cholesterol. The findings help patients take preventive measures.
Christa Lese Martin, Geisinger’s chief scientific officer said genetic information helps patients act against over 35 conditions. The program has also explored genetic links to autism, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and bipolar disorder.
