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DNA health tests

DNA insights can help you transform your healthcare, now and in the future.

99% of us respond differently to common medicines, based on our DNA

Bupa My Genomic Health data, 2025

Understanding DNA health tests

Learn about DNA health tests, what the tests look for and the benefits with Dr Rebecca Rohrer.

Transcript

Who are you?

Hey, my name's Dr.

Rebecca r. I'm the Clinical Innovation

and Genomics Director at Bupa.

I am a working GP mom of three

and a young onset breast cancer survivor,

which gives me huge interest in genomics

as an exciting new field of medicine.

What is your background?

I'm the Director of Clinical Innovation

and Genomics at Bupa.

I've got a background working in our

insurance division as well.

As a medical director, I still practise as a gp,

and that gives me a huge vested interest in this shift from

reactive to preventative and personalised medicine.

I love to translate clinical innovation into direct patient

care so that we can benefit the whole customer experience.

What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of all

of the DNA in a living organism.

DNA acts like an alphabet,

and it's used to write the instructions

for everything that your body does.

Specific sections of DNA are called genes,

and each one of those is a unique instruction

for a particular function.

Genomics looks at the bigger picture.

It helps us understand how those genes interact

with each other and with the environment

to shape our traits, influence our health,

and contribute to disease.

What is a human genome?

The human genome is all

of the genetic instructions stored in a person's DNA.

It contains over 3 billion pairs of DNA letters A,

T, C, and G.

And together they code for about 20,000 genes.

These genes are organised into 23 pairs of chromosomes.

We call them pairs

because you inherit one set from your mother

and one set from your father, and this is why certain traits

or risks for diseases can run in families.

How is genomic data used in medicine?

Genomics is a rapidly evolving field that's changing

how we understand and manage medical conditions.

It helps healthcare professionals to personalise treatment,

predict disease risks, find genetic disorders,

and develop targeted therapies based on a person's genes.

What are the benefits of genomic testing?

Genomic testing helps predict disease risks,

identify genetic disorders and personalised treatments.

It enables tailored healthcare solutions by understanding

how genetic variations can affect individual responses

to medications and risk of developing disease.

What is personalised medicine and how does genomics contribute to it?

Personalised medicine is an approach to healthcare

that tailors medical treatment to an individual patient,

including their genetic makeup.

Now, genomics contributes to personalised medicine

by providing insights into

how genetic variations affect individual responses

to medication, the risk of developing disease,

but also to treatment, and that enables us to have effective

and customised healthcare solutions.

How can genomics help predict disease risk?

Genomics helps predict disease risk

by identifying genetic variations associated

with specific diseases.

By analysing an individual's genome,

scientists can assess the likelihood

of developing certain conditions,

and that enables early intervention

and personalised healthcare strategies.

What is pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of

how your genetic makeup influences

your response to medicines.

It can predict whether a medicine is likely to work for you,

whether you might experience side effects,

and what dose may be most suitable.

Because this information is based on your unique genetic

profile, pharmacogenomics plays a key role in personalised

medicine.

What is a polygenic risk score?

Polygenic risk score adds up the effects

of changes in lots

of different genes across your whole genome

to estimate your chance of developing a certain condition.

What is a carrier gene?

A carrier gene has a change

or what we call a variant linked to a genetic condition,

but the person doesn't show symptoms

because they can also have healthy copy.

Since we all inherit two copies of each gene,

one from each parent, carriers can pass this change

to their children, and if both parents are carriers

of the same condition, their child could inherit,

both changed copies and could be affected.

Knowing if you are a carrier helps you understand genetic

risks and make informed choices about family planning.

What DNA testing does Bupa offer?

We have three kinds of DNA tests, medication check checks.

Your response to medications,

a health check will reveal your risks

of developing certain conditions.

An advanced, a health check looks at your risk

of developing a wider range of health conditions,

polygenic risk scores, carrier genes,

pharmacogenomics, and traits.

More information about these tests can be found on our

website.

How can your DNA transform your health?

Bupa My Genomic Health combines DNA insights with joined up care. Testing is just the beginning.

With your results, we can give you expert guidance and care that works for you.

Health services powered by Bupa My Genomic Health

What is DNA and genomic testing?

DNA health tests for your employees

With DNA-powered healthcare you can empower your people to feel their best and do their best, so your business can thrive.

My Genomic Health is supplied by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ

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