Genes for health

The role of public health genomics is to integrate disease prevention, health promotion and risk reduction associated with inherent susceptibility to disease into public health practice. This special issue covers a selection of topics presented at the GraPH-Int 'Genes for Health' conference in May 2009 in Western Australia, highlighting some of the most vital challenges confronting the field of public health genomics. Many issues are raised by the promises of genome-wide association studies, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, gene patents, technological advances and promises of individualized pharmacogenomic therapies. Are genetic tests adequately assessed in terms of clinical utility and what resources are available? Can genomic databases established for research be integrated for planning health policy and disaster preparedness? What are the ethical, legal and social issues that will soon find application in noninvasive prenatal diagnosis? Individual experts address each topic and discuss how we might explore genetic variation to improve human health. This volume is recommended reading for all clinicians, scientists, genetic counselors and those with an interest in how genetics will impact on the practice of community medicine and the future of public health.