The Human Genome Project, genetics and health.
Three main reasons why a genetic approach is unlikely to be a solution to common diseases in the foreseeable future are discussed. The first is the great importance of environmental circumstances in determining health, the second reason is the great complexity of gene/gene, gene/environment interactions, and the third reason is human behavior with regard to compliance with medical recommendations. Since particular interests are likely to push for a genetic approach to disease, there will be a need to protect the public interest so that premature and inappropriate use of genetics is not made, and so that a balanced opportunity to better the health of all is not missed.
Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 222-6174 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC,V6T 1Z3 (Canada). pbaird@interchange.ubc.ca
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D004777:Environment; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D005838:Genotype; D006262:Health; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010641:Phenotype