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Dr. John | From BRCA to Liquid Biopsies: A Doctor’s Guide to DNA Screening
Dr. John Sanders explores the evolving world of genetic screening — from traditional genome sequencing for inherited risks like BRCA, Lynch syndrome, and clotting disorders, to newer technologies like liquid biopsies and pharmacogenomics. He explains how genetics can guide prevention, but also how complex the interpretation is, especially when epigenetics — the environmental “on/off switches” for genes — plays a massive role in actual disease expression.
He highlights both the promise and limitations of current tools. Liquid biopsies, for example, can screen for dozens of cancers via blood, but are expensive, not insurance-covered, and may detect cancers too late to change outcomes meaningfully. Pharmacogenomics — using genetic testing to guide medication choices — is fascinating in theory, but in real life doesn’t always align with clinical response, and rarely justifies its current out-of-pocket cost. Much of this technology is still ahead of its evidence.
Dr. Sanders urges a thoughtful, ethical approach: screening can be empowering — but can also create unnecessary fear and possibly even trigger disease expression via stress. He stresses staying grounded in data, preserving patient peace of mind, and remembering the most powerful epigenetic “medicine” is still lifestyle — sleep, exercise, low stress. It’s innovation with responsibility, not blind adoption.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
He highlights both the promise and limitations of current tools. Liquid biopsies, for example, can screen for dozens of cancers via blood, but are expensive, not insurance-covered, and may detect cancers too late to change outcomes meaningfully. Pharmacogenomics — using genetic testing to guide medication choices — is fascinating in theory, but in real life doesn’t always align with clinical response, and rarely justifies its current out-of-pocket cost. Much of this technology is still ahead of its evidence.
Dr. Sanders urges a thoughtful, ethical approach: screening can be empowering — but can also create unnecessary fear and possibly even trigger disease expression via stress. He stresses staying grounded in data, preserving patient peace of mind, and remembering the most powerful epigenetic “medicine” is still lifestyle — sleep, exercise, low stress. It’s innovation with responsibility, not blind adoption.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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By John SandersDr. John Sanders explores the evolving world of genetic screening — from traditional genome sequencing for inherited risks like BRCA, Lynch syndrome, and clotting disorders, to newer technologies like liquid biopsies and pharmacogenomics. He explains how genetics can guide prevention, but also how complex the interpretation is, especially when epigenetics — the environmental “on/off switches” for genes — plays a massive role in actual disease expression.
He highlights both the promise and limitations of current tools. Liquid biopsies, for example, can screen for dozens of cancers via blood, but are expensive, not insurance-covered, and may detect cancers too late to change outcomes meaningfully. Pharmacogenomics — using genetic testing to guide medication choices — is fascinating in theory, but in real life doesn’t always align with clinical response, and rarely justifies its current out-of-pocket cost. Much of this technology is still ahead of its evidence.
Dr. Sanders urges a thoughtful, ethical approach: screening can be empowering — but can also create unnecessary fear and possibly even trigger disease expression via stress. He stresses staying grounded in data, preserving patient peace of mind, and remembering the most powerful epigenetic “medicine” is still lifestyle — sleep, exercise, low stress. It’s innovation with responsibility, not blind adoption.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
He highlights both the promise and limitations of current tools. Liquid biopsies, for example, can screen for dozens of cancers via blood, but are expensive, not insurance-covered, and may detect cancers too late to change outcomes meaningfully. Pharmacogenomics — using genetic testing to guide medication choices — is fascinating in theory, but in real life doesn’t always align with clinical response, and rarely justifies its current out-of-pocket cost. Much of this technology is still ahead of its evidence.
Dr. Sanders urges a thoughtful, ethical approach: screening can be empowering — but can also create unnecessary fear and possibly even trigger disease expression via stress. He stresses staying grounded in data, preserving patient peace of mind, and remembering the most powerful epigenetic “medicine” is still lifestyle — sleep, exercise, low stress. It’s innovation with responsibility, not blind adoption.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.