Preventive medicine is increasingly using genomic profiling to identify inherited risks for major life-limiting diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Understanding an individual’s genetic blueprint can help guide proactive strategies aimed at protecting long-term health.
Genomic profiling detects inherited genetic mutations and variants linked to higher risks of certain cancers and cardiac conditions. For example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with an increased likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer, while other genetic variants may indicate a predisposition to heart disease or inherited arrhythmia syndromes. Identifying these risks early allows clinicians to implement personalised preventive strategies such as enhanced screening, lifestyle optimisation, or targeted medical interventions.
This personalised approach enables individuals to make more informed decisions about their health. In cancer prevention, it may involve earlier or more frequent screening, preventive medications, or risk-reducing surgery. In cardiovascular health, genomic insights can support proactive cholesterol management, tailored lifestyle strategies, and early medical treatment when appropriate.
As genomic science advances, it is playing an increasingly important role in longevity-focused healthcare. By identifying risks for cancer and cardiovascular disease before symptoms develop, genomic profiling helps shift the focus from treating illness to preventing it—supporting longer and healthier lives.
Written by Professor Kefah Mokbel MS, FRCS.
An internationally renowned academic breast cancer surgeon, specialises in the diagnosis and management of diseases of the breast, including breast cancer and reconstructive breast surgery. He currently serves as the Chair of Breast Cancer Surgery at The London Breast Institute of The Princess Grace Hospital, Honorary Consultant Breast Surgeon at St. George’s Hospital in London, Professor (Honorary) of Breast Cancer Surgery (Brunel University London), Professor of Medicine (Honorary) at Cardiff University Medical School. He also serves as the Chair of The Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Program at The London Breast Institute.
He published 14 books in medical education and more than 400 papers and has an H index of 61 and I-10 index of 219. He was named one of Tatler magazines “Top Breast Surgeons” in their 2006, 2007 and 2013 Best Doctors Guide. In November 2010 he was named in the Times magazine's Britain's Top Doctor Guide. Professor Kefah Mokbel featured in the BBC, Times Newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent Newspaper, The Guardian Newspaper, Vogue Magazine, ITV, Sky News, The Daily Mail and The Evening Standard.
