We’re getting closer to returning health-related DNA results to participants. As we promised, we’re sharing more information with you so you know what to expect when we’re ready. In this month’s update, you will learn which genes the All of Us Research Program will check for in the two health-related reports we’ll offer. We hope this information will help you decide if you want to get these results when they’re ready.
Hereditary Disease Risk Report
This report focuses on increased risk for some diseases that can be passed down from parents to their biological children through their DNA.
If you decide to get this report, All of Us will check 59 genes. Each gene has a known link to serious health conditions. All of these health conditions are what’s called “medically actionable.” That means that there are certain steps you and your health care provider can take for your health if you learn you are at increased risk. This list may grow or change over time as we learn more about health and DNA.
Existing science tells us that about two of every 100 participants will get a Hereditary Disease Risk report that says they may have an increased risk of a serious health condition. Having a higher risk does not mean that a person has that disease now. It does not mean that a person will definitely get it in the future either. Learn more about the genes and health conditions included in this report.
Medicine and Your DNA Report
Genes can affect how our bodies process medicines. This is called pharmacogenetics. Genetic variants, or differences in our DNA, may cause our bodies to process medicine more slowly. That means we may need to take less of it or take it less often. Other differences in our DNA may cause our bodies to process medicine more quickly. And that means we may need to take more of it or take it more frequently.
For the Medicine and Your DNA report, All of Us will look at seven genes that can affect how our bodies process certain medicines. It also includes more than 50 medicines that are affected by those genes.
Interesting fact: Most people have at least one genetic variant that affects how their bodies process medicine. This can become important for their health if they have one of the variants and take any of the medicines affected by that variant.
Interesting fact: Most people have at least one genetic variant that affects how their bodies process medicine. This can become important for their health if they have one of the variants and take any of the medicines affected by that variant.
Helping You Understand These Results
It’s always your choice if you want to get these reports. If you do, our licensed and certified genetic counselors are available at no cost. They can help you understand what your results mean for you.
Important! DNA results from All of Us are research results. They are not a medical diagnosis. Do not make any changes to your medicines or health care before talking to your health care provider.
Did you miss our April update? Look out for more information soon.
In good health,
The All of Us Research Program
