Asthma Genomics: Implications for Public Health: A Public Health Perspective
(April 2004)
In collaboration with the Washington Center for Genomics and Public Health, OGDP presents a Public Health Perspective on asthma genomics. Advances in asthma genomics are occurring rapidly. While these advances have not yet caused a change in the methods of asthma prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, new strategies to prevent and manage asthma are likely to be developed within the near future. For these strategies to provide optimal benefit to populations, public health expertise is needed.

The Completion of the Human Genome Project:  A Public Health Perspective
(August 2003)
In April 2003, the Human Genome Project was pronounced complete. Now, as we officially enter the genomics era, what will this mean for public health? Will genomic information lead to new opportunities for preventing disease or will it provide a new mechanism for excluding people from insurance or employment? Will genomics make any real difference to the practice of public health? The intent of this Public Health Perspective is to collect some of the relevant articles, stories and on-line materials that look at where we’ve been and attempt to project where we might be in the future.

Family History as a Tool for Public Health and Preventive Medicine:  A Public Health Perspective
(March 2003)
A comprehensive look at the question: can family history be used as a tool for disease prevention and health promotion and as a screening tool for assessing risk for common diseases and influencing early detection and prevention strategies.

Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility: A Public Health Perspective
(February 2003)
The choice for or against genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility may not be an easy one for some women. The complexity of interpreting genetic information, the uncertainty of the health outcome, and issues of privacy and discrimination surrounding genetics complicate the decision. This Public Health Perspective contains facts and resources for public health professionals to help women and their families understand hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and the implications of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Obesity and Genetics: A Public Health Perspective
(February 2002)
Recent results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 indicate that an estimated 61 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more. "Obesity and Genetics: A Public Health Perspective" examines inherited genetic variation as an important risk factor for developing obesity. Studying the genetics of obesity will lead us to a greater understanding of the metabolic condition of obesity and help us to explore new options for prevention and treatment.

Genetic Testing: A Public Health Perspective
(December 2001)
Over the past decade, the discovery of new genes and the rapid growth of genetic technology has led to the development of new genetic tests. To date, approximately 870 tests are commercially available and more are anticipated. Visitors to the Public Health Perspective Page will find general information about genetic testing including CDC's activities, genetic policies, and a discussion of the associated ethical legal and social issues.

Informed Consent for Population-Based Research Involving Genetics:  A Public Health Perspective
November 2001)
The informed consent approach is proposed to promote discussion about how best to enable potential participants to make informed decisions about population-based research involving genetics and to suggest issues for consideration by research sponsors, institutional review boards, and investigators. Readers will find information about informed consent, a supplemental brochure, a suggested template, and commentary.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis:  A Public Health Perspective
(April 2001)
Visitors to our new perspective page will find and overview of Hereditary Hemochromatosis including fact sheets, Questions and Answers about Hemochromatosis, an interview with a Hereditary Hemochromatosis patient and physician, links to journal and news articles, and an editorial on the CDC's recommendations regarding population screening.

The Vision of Genomic Medicine: A Public Health Perspective
(March 2001)
The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention explores the role of public health  research in order to make the vision of genomic medicine a reality in the 21st century.

Pharmacogenomics and Public Health: A Public Health Perspective
(February 2001)
The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention explores the public health perspective of pharmacogenomics, a burgeoning field that promises to revolutionize medicine by deciphering the genetic basis of variable drug response in individual people.

Will Genetics Revolutionize Medicine?: A Public Health Perspective
(December 2000)
The December Public Health Perspective focuses on the question asked by Holtzman and Marteau "Will Genetics Revolutionize Medicine?" published in the July issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.  Explore related articles and watch for continuing dialogue in upcoming editions of the Genetics Weekly Update.

Nature vs. Nurture: An Unnecessary Debate: A Public Health Perspective
(July 2000)
The CDC Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention explores the old controversy of nature versus nature in the causation of human disease. In the new age of gene discovery, this debate may be unnecessary.

The Human Genome Project: A Public Health Perspective
(June 2000)
The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examines the Human Genome Project from a public health perspective on a new web page. Visitors will find a collection of information including papers, fact sheets, and links to other pertinent sites.