Genetic Testing Program Aims to Improve Healthcare and Prevent Illness in North Carolina

Why It Matters:

This collaboration between Helix and Cone Health has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by using genetic testing to improve patient care and prevent illness. By enrolling 100,000 healthy individuals, the program will provide valuable information about genetic predispositions for certain diseases and conditions, leading to more effective care and the development of wellness programs for the broader community.

The Details:

• The program will enroll 100,000 healthy people over a 5-year period in Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham, and Randolph counties.

• Genetic testing will be conducted using Helix's population genomics platform to provide medical insights for Cone Health patients.

• The study aims to result in better, more effective care for people with health conditions and potentially delay, reduce, or prevent illness.

• Participants will be screened for genetic predisposition for diseases and conditions such as breast and ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and high cholesterol.

• Enrollment in the program is optional and free of charge.

• Helix's end-to-end genomics platform enables ongoing genomic insights about health throughout a patient's lifetime.

• Cone Health aims to use the program to better understand the health of the overall population and build wellness programs for the community.

Conclusion:

The partnership between Helix and Cone Health will enable genetic testing to be used to improve patient care and potentially prevent illness. By enrolling 100,000 individuals in the program, valuable insights about genetic predispositions for diseases and conditions will be gained, leading to better healthcare outcomes and the development of wellness programs for the community.