Genetics isn’t fate: Doctor reveals how to cut risk of inherited diseases
Doctor explains how to prevent hereditary diseases (photo: Freepik)
Genetics determines not only appearance or blood type, but can also influence the risk of serious illnesses. There is a way to identify these risks and prevent them effectively, according to Ukrainian professor and dietitian Oleg Shvets.
How genes affect health
Genes contain specific instructions that determine how the body functions, develops, adapts to conditions, and maintains health.
According to the doctor, humans have approximately 20,000 genes. Many diseases have certain genetic associations, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Some conditions are almost entirely caused by genetic changes, mutations, or pathogenic variants. These often lead to the development of genetic diseases, which cannot be contracted or caused by environmental factors or lifestyle.
“Analyzing family history (anamnesis) helps understand whether there is an increased risk of developing certain diseases that have already occurred in the family. In some cases, this serves as a basis for genetic testing or preventive measures that can reduce risk,” the professor added.
How to prevent hereditary diseases
It’s important to know that genes usually do not fully determine the future.
There is the concept of multifactorial inheritance, where risk is shaped by both genes and external factors, including lifestyle. Therefore, many common conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and mental disorders like anxiety and depression, are considered multifactorial.
Some factors cannot be changed, such as biological sex and age. But controllable factors include nutrition, physical activity, smoking, and exposure to chemicals.
“Even with an unfavorable genetic background, a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce risks,” explained the doctor.
How to collect a family health history
When gathering family health history, pay attention to:
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First-degree relatives – parents, siblings, children
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Second-degree relatives – half-siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, as well as grandchildren
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Third-degree relatives – cousins, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, aunts and uncles on both maternal and paternal sides
It’s important to note that the more distant the relative, the smaller the influence of their history.
Also, know whether relatives are alive, their current age, or the age at which they passed away, as well as their medical history: any existing or past illnesses and the age at diagnosis.
Pay special attention to cardiovascular issues at a relatively young age, cancer, diabetes, and hereditary syndromes.
“Family health history is a simple but extremely valuable tool for risk assessment. Genes cannot be changed, but behavior can be, which determines whether that risk is realized,” Shvets added.
Read also: Scientists find answer to what is more important for longevity – genes or lifestyle
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
