SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 5, 2025 – International healthcare leader Bupa has unveiled pivotal insights from its whole genome sequencing initiative, ‘My Genomic Health’, revealing significant hidden health risks in the majority of participants and marking a transformative step in the future of preventive healthcare. Designed to provide personalised, actionable data, the programme is reshaping how genetic information is used to drive early intervention and long-term wellness outcomes in the UK, Spain, and beyond.
A New Frontier in Preventive Healthcare
The ‘My Genomic Health’ programme analysed DNA from 5,000 participants across the UK and Spain, identifying that 75% carry polygenic markers linked to an elevated risk of chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. These findings underscore the widespread but often undetected genetic predisposition to major non-communicable diseases and highlight the potential of early screening and tailored interventions.
- 75% of participants had higher-than-average polygenic risk for common conditions.
- 4% carried high-impact, single-gene variants significantly increasing the likelihood of severe diseases like cancer or cardiovascular conditions.
- Nearly 100% carried variants affecting medication response, such as to codeine, flucloxacillin, and clopidogrel.
Crucially, the programme targets only conditions for which preventive action can be taken. Bupa offers each participant a personalised health risk report alongside a tailored plan—ranging from lifestyle adjustments and advanced screenings to medical treatment—supported by expert clinicians.
The Strategic Value of Pharmacogenomics
An equally compelling finding is the near-universal presence of genetic variants influencing how individuals metabolize medications. This underscores the growing relevance of pharmacogenomics in healthcare, offering potential for:
- Reduced medication-related side effects
- More accurate prescriptions based on genetic compatibility
- Improved patient outcomes in treatments involving antibiotics, painkillers, and blood thinners
In critical care scenarios, such as post-heart attack treatment, selecting genetically compatible blood thinners could be lifesaving—a significant leap forward in personalised medicine.
Driving Behavioural Change Through Knowledge
The initial data validates broader consumer interest in genetic health insights. Bupa’s recent research shows:
- 60% of individuals are eager to understand their genetic risk
- 80% are willing to change behaviour if they know they are at high risk for serious illnesses
This aligns with global public health priorities: currently, nearly half of all cancer diagnoses occur at later stages (stage 3 or 4), which drastically limits treatment efficacy. Early detection through genomic insights may be a key driver in reversing this trend.
One such real-world example comes from Ana Isabel Bernardo Rodriguez, a programme participant. After learning she had a genetic predisposition to melanoma, Ana sought medical advice about a changing mole. “During the consultation, the dermatologist removed it for analysis. Two weeks later, I was informed the mole was in the early stages of turning into melanoma,” Ana said. “Having access to this genetic information allowed me to take preventive action and potentially avoid skin cancer.”
Scaling Genomic Health Globally
Buoyed by early success, Bupa plans to scale the ‘My Genomic Health’ programme to reach over 250,000 participants by 2027. The company is leveraging this data-driven model to refine healthcare delivery and embed precision medicine into routine care.
Dr Anne Lepetit, Chief Medical Officer at Bupa, stated: “This data from My Genomic Health highlights the critical role genomics can play in helping people understand their risk of serious conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease — often long before symptoms appear. […] We are now focused on significantly expanding the programme and exploring how this kind of personalised, data-driven care can support longer, healthier lives across our customer base and beyond.”
Shaping the Future of Personalised, Preventive Care
With its commitment to expanding genomic testing and integrating it into holistic care plans, Bupa is not only addressing growing demand for personalised healthcare but also positioning itself at the forefront of a strategic shift in the healthcare industry.
Learn more about Bupa’s genomic health programme at https://www.bupa.com.