Helping to Realize the Benefits of Personalized Medicine for Minority Populations

The biomedical innovation now happening in the molecular diagnostics industry is making it possible for clinicians to answer their patients’ four most pressing questions about their health.  Will I get a disease? Do I have a disease?  Should I treat my disease? How should I treat my disease?  Importantly, more than ever before, clinicians now have the ability to prevent certain diseases and tailor treatments to individual patients rather than practicing traditional trial-and-error medicine.

A great example of personalized medicine is Myriad’s GeneSight test which uses cutting-edge technology to analyze 12 clinically important genes in the treatment of depression.  Studies have shown that when clinicians use the GeneSight test result to help select medicines, patients have a significantly better chance of achieving response and remission, which are the ideal goals in depression.

Unfortunately, the benefits of genetic testing too often allude minority populations.  The reasons for disparities in access to healthcare are complex and not easily solved.  However, at a basic level the answer to overcoming disparity and enhancing access to care is more communication and education.

July is National #MinorityMentalHealthMonth.  Depression and other mental illnesses do not discriminate based on race, color or gender.   So this month, Myriad is using its social media channels to raise awareness about genetic testing for minorities diagnosed with depression.  It is an important first step in the educational process.  However, we can’t do it alone and need the public’s support.

We hope that you will join us in supporting #MinorityMentalHealthMonth.  By joining forces, we can accelerate the progress and the promise of personalized medicine for all people.  For that to happen though, we need more advocates.  It’s easy to get started.  Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram and share our posts.  Additionally, you can find more information about genetic testing for depression at www.GeneSight.com.

Be well.

Click here to take the next step with GeneSight