Britain\u2019s biggest private medical insurer is to start offering genetic testing and personalised prevention programmes, in a shift towards predicting disease before it develops.<\/p>\n
Bupa<\/a> said it would become the first major private medical insurer<\/a> to integrate genomics-led prevention into its standard cover.<\/p>\n Under the programme, DNA analysis will be used to identify those at increased risk of conditions including breast cancer<\/a>, heart disease and diabetes<\/a> before symptoms appear.<\/p>\n Launching from Sept 1, it is designed to identify people who could benefit from earlier monitoring, preventive medication or surgery, rather than waiting until disease develops.<\/p>\n Under the scheme, eligible customers will first undergo a clinical assessment of their personal and family medical history.<\/p>\n Those whose assessment suggests genetic testing could influence their care will then be offered DNA testing.<\/p>\n Customers found to have inherited genetic variants linked to serious disease will be offered follow-up care that could include specialist advice, increased screening, medication or preventive surgery.<\/p>\n