Bupa has become the first major private healthcare provider to pilot whole genome sequencing to selected customers in the UK.
The two-year programme, My Genomic Health, offers more than 3,500 customers access to their genetic risk profile of developing more than 36 conditions that can be either prevented or have better outcomes if detected and treated early. These include heart disease, metabolic diseases and 10 types of cancer such as breast, prostate, skin and bowel cancer.
The provider explained that those found to be at high genetic risk of developing a disease will have access to personalised recommendations and tailored health plans to prevent illness or promote early detection of disease.
Over 300 genes and nine polygenic risk scores will be analysed as part of My Genomic Health. Customers will also receive insights about their carrier gene status and pharmacogenomics; or how people react differently to medications based on their genetic make-up.
The programme also includes wraparound care, including access to genetic counselling and onward referrals to Bupa services including GP or specialist services if needed.
Bupa pointed out that the test will only report on genes where preventative action can be taken. Customers will be tested to identify their genetic risk of developing more than 36 different diseases including 10 types of cancer, such as:
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Thyroid cancer
- Haemochromatosis
- Skin cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India and UK, said: “Genomics will play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare. Analysing someone’s genetic makeup will determine their susceptibility to conditions like heart disease or cancer.
“This will enable healthcare companies to provide personalised interventions that people can make in their everyday lives to reduce their risks.
“What’s exciting is it creates a pivotal shift in how healthcare can be provided, moving from treating illnesses to increasing interventions for prevention, ultimately helping people stay healthier for longer.
“The advancement of genetic testing within healthcare innovation has the potential to be a crucial lever in supporting the UK’s health.
“Through the My Genomic Health pilot and the genetic testing solutions available within our Bupa Health Assessments and insured customers’ treatment plans, we are now able to offer end-to-end care: from before symptoms develop to enhancing their personal treatment plans and supporting their journey back to health.”
Health Insights (Polygenic Risk Scoring)
The provider added that whole genome sequencing is one of a number of programmes underway by Bupa to explore how genomics can transform more aspects of patient care and treatment pathways through genetic testing.
It will also soon run as a pilot for 300 customers with the aim to be available as an optional add-on to Bupa Health Assessments for women over 40 and men over 45 in early 2025, a Health Insights Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS) test assesses the risk of four different conditions including breast cancer, prostate cancer, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Presented to the customer with a full personalised report, it will aim to enable customers to have a rounded conversation with a GP on their health status, areas of concerns, ongoing screening recommendations and lifestyle choices to help them make everyday steps towards better health.
Sarah Melia, health services general manager at Bupa Global, India and UK, said: “We are committed to identifying health risks early to empower all our customers, both insured and pay-as-you-go, to proactively manage their health.
“By integrating Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS) into our well-regarded Bupa Health Assessments, we will be able to guide customers through the journey of understanding their risk of developing certain diseases based on their genetic make-up and provide the clinical support they need to make regular lifestyle changes that keep them well for longer.”
Genetic testing post-diagnosis
Alongside preventative health, Bupa now offers UK insurance customers the choice to access a range of genetic tests once symptoms have been identified to support their treatment plan, as recommended by their consultant.
These tests include:
- Signatera: for customers with colorectal or bladder cancer. Indicates the likelihood of the cancer returning and whether chemotherapy is required.
- CIRT: helps clinicians decide whether customers will benefit from Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) treatment for multiple different cancers.
- Digistain: assesses the risk of breast cancer recurrence, in patients with the most common type of early-stage breast cancer.
- Galeas: a urine test for customers presenting with microscopic haematuria. It can detect DNA from cancer cells and is highly sensitive, particularly at reporting when cancer is highly unlikely.
Dr Rishi Patel, head of clinical transformation at Bupa, added: “This is a turning point in how we think about healthcare, helping people to be more proactive in preventing or delaying ill-health to enjoy more of their years.
“Genomics is key to this; it helps us advise customers on the preventative actions they can take to lower their chances of becoming unwell as well as get back to health more quickly.”