There is a growing need to integrate the knowledge of genetic in medical care and public health for better understanding of the disease and treatment of the patient, said Dr. S. S. Agarwal, director, ACTREC (Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, Education & Cancer), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai. He was in Pune to deliver a guest lecture on the topic- `medical genetics in the practice of medicine' at the 51st Armed Forces Medical Conference.

Speaking to Pharmabiz.com, Dr. Agarwal revealed that nearly 5000 genetic disorders are now known, most of which were discovered in the past two decades. All diseases have both a genetic and environmental component and the genetic variation in response to environment determines susceptibility or resistance to common complex disorders.

“Genetic risk stratification could serve as an important tool for prevention of morbidity, mortality and disability due to disease and promotion of health,” the ACTEC chief noted. Thus if a family has a history of breast cancer, the chances of females of a subsequent generation getting the disease are higher than average. Hence the family's physician should advise the girls to undergo regular check ups.

Drawing two level approach to the subject he said that firstly, there is a need to spread awareness amongst the physicians about the need of integrating genetics in medicine and secondly, there is a need to establish a centre with the facilities for diagnostic and management of genetic disorders.

He also highlighted the need of the usage of the technology that detects the genetic defects in a child at the prenatal stage and postnatal stage. “The cost factor is a major hindrance in the incorporation of such technology. But this cost is negligible as compared to taking care of the defective child.” He cautioned that in the next two decades the magnitude of genetic disease may increase and so the need for the integration of knowledge of genetics and technology in medical care increases by several times.