Genetics and public health - evolution, or revolution?
Data(s) |
01/11/2004
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Resumo |
During the 19th and early 20th century, public health and genetics shared common ground through similar approaches to health promotion in the population. By the mid-20th century there was a division between public health and genetics, with eugenicists estranged and clinical genetics focused on single gene disorders, usually only relevant to small numbers of people. Now through a common interest in the aetiology of complex diseases such as heart disease and cancer, there is a need for people working in public health and genetics to collaborate. This is not a comfortable convergence for many, particularly those in public health. Nine main concerns are reviewed: fear of eugenics; genetic reductionism; predictive power of genes; non-modifiable risk factors; rights of individuals compared with populations; resource allocation; commercial imperative; discrimination; and understanding and education. This paper aims to contribute to the thinking and discussion about an evolutionary, multidisciplinary approach to understanding, preventing, and treating complex diseases. <br /> |
Identificador | |
Idioma(s) |
eng |
Publicador |
BMJ Publishing Group |
Relação |
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30043814/olsson-geneticsandpublic-2004.pdf http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech.2003.018515 |
Direitos |
2004, BMJ Publishing Group |
Tipo |
Journal Article |