A prominent British doctor has issued a stark warning about ten potentially fatal diseases and conditions that individuals could be genetically predisposed to without their knowledge. The alert comes from Dr Dawn Harper, well-known from Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies, who highlights a dangerous gap in the public's awareness of their own health heritage.
This concern is backed by fresh research which reveals that over half of UK adults are walking in the dark about their genetic risks. The study, commissioned by health data company MiCode, found that 55 percent of people are unaware of their family's history of serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
Furthermore, the data exposes a critical lack of preparedness for medical emergencies. A staggering 49 percent of adults do not know their own blood type, and nearly half could not inform paramedics which medications their loved ones require during a crisis.
The Alarming Knowledge Gap in UK Health
Dr Harper, who analysed the survey of 2,000 adults, expressed deep concern about these findings. She told the Express that the results "highlight a worrying gap in how little many people know about their own health history and that of their families."
She challenges the fatalistic view that genetic destiny is unchangeable. "I firmly believe that knowledge is power," Dr Harper stated. "Understanding your genetic predispositions gives you the chance to take control, to make informed decisions, adopt preventative habits, and in many cases, reduce your overall risk through simple lifestyle changes."
Professor James Ohene-Djan of MiCode echoed this sentiment, describing the survey as evidence of a "shocking gap in our national health knowledge." His company offers a secure digital service for storing vital health information, aiming to ensure people are never caught out in an emergency.
The 10 Hereditary Health Threats You Need to Know
Dr Harper has identified ten major diseases with significant genetic links that people should discuss with their families and GPs.
1. High Blood Pressure: Described as a "multifactorial disease," high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Dr Harper advises everyone over 40 to get checked, and sooner if it runs in the family.
2. High Cholesterol: A startling 80% of our cholesterol is produced by the body, not derived from diet. A specific inherited condition, familial hypercholesterolaemia, can lead to dangerously high levels.
3. Heart Disease: While lifestyle is key, a family history of heart attacks, especially at a young age, significantly increases personal risk and should prompt closer lifestyle monitoring.
4. Diabetes: With an estimated 1.3 million people in the UK living with undiagnosed diabetes, knowing your family history is crucial for early testing and preventing serious complications like heart attacks and strokes.
5. Osteoporosis: This "thin bone disease" has a strong genetic link and is often symptomless until a fracture occurs. Having a first-degree relative with the condition significantly raises your risk.
6. Cancer: Dr Harper specifically lists breast, prostate, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, skin (melanoma), stomach, uterine, kidney, thyroid, eye, and brain cancers as having genetic risks. She recalls a powerful case from her TV work involving three sisters with a family history of breast cancer, where genetic testing empowered two of them to make informed decisions about their health.
7. Alzheimer's Disease: A genetic link exists, but lifestyle can influence risk. Activities that are good for the heart—like a healthy diet and regular exercise—are also good for the brain, as are mentally challenging puzzles and games.
8. Asthma and Allergies: The genetic link here is strong, and knowing about family allergies can be life-saving information to convey to medics in an emergency.
9. Mental Health Issues: Conditions like depression and anxiety often run in families. If this is the case, prioritising mental wellbeing through exercise, nature, and social connection becomes even more important.
10. Auto-immune Diseases: All auto-immune conditions have a genetic component. Awareness of a family history can help your GP diagnose you more quickly if symptoms develop.
Taking Control of Your Genetic Legacy
The overarching message from Dr Harper and the research is one of empowerment, not fear. Ignorance of one's family medical history leaves individuals vulnerable. However, by proactively seeking this knowledge, people can engage in preventative healthcare, make informed lifestyle choices, and seek earlier screenings.
This simple act of having a conversation with relatives about health history could be one of the most significant steps a person takes to safeguard their own long-term wellbeing. The power to change your health outcome, even with a genetic predisposition, often lies in the knowledge you choose to acquire today.
