How Genomics Are Being Implemented by the VA: 2024 Veterans Research Town Hall
‘Genomics, Health Equity and You’
The next ‘Veterans Research Town Hall’ from the VA’s Veterans Community Advisory Board is a hybrid event, to be held May 14th, 2024 with the Philadelphia Research and Education Foundation.
***
GENETIC OR DNA TESTING SEEMS COMMONPLACE these days, whether you have seen an ad for “23andMe” or participated in the VA’s Million Veteran Program. But how is the field of genomics medicine being implemented at the VA? A person has thousands of genes transferred from their biological parents, and those genes inform a medical team about what cancers or diseases a person may be more at risk for developing in the future, or how the body may respond to different types of treatments. Genetic testing can lead to more “personalized medicine” which may be critical to the Veteran population given its unique exposures during military service.
Today, the VA is harnessing the power of genetic testing to help Veterans with mental health conditions find more effective treatments. By analyzing a Veteran’s genetics, doctors can determine which medications are likely to work best for them. Without this information, a Veteran may be subject to a “trial and error” process to find the best medication for their condition—which can lead to frustration and adverse side effects.
Unfortunately, many Veterans suffer from illnesses like cancer due to their exposure to toxic substances, such as Agent Orange and the effects of Burn Pits during their service. Because of this, the VA has an obligation to predict, prevent, and treat these Veterans to the absolute best of their ability. Genetic testing has significantly contributed to this process by uncovering the links between specific genes and certain types of cancer. As a result, the VA can now employ genetic testing to anticipate prostate cancer, enhance the treatment of bladder cancer, and even reduce tumor sizes, among other benefits.
While genetic testing offers numerous other benefits, it also raises important questions about who has the most to gain, and how it is implemented in VA Health Care. Currently, most genetic research focuses on people of European descent, leading to gaps in understanding and inequities for other groups. Addressing these issues is vital for ensuring fair and effective healthcare for all Veterans.
To discuss these concerns and learn more about genomic medicine within the VA, the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC's Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP) and its Veterans Community Advisory Board (VCAB), in partnership with the Philadelphia Research and Education Foundation (PREF), invites you to attend the ‘Genetics, Health Equity and You’: 2024 Veterans Research Town Hall on May 14th at 10 a.m., either in person or online.
To attend online, register now! https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/weblink/register/rb34180de91decfd7877a67c9d40acdb8
