What role does genomic testing play in promoting better health? While many are familiar with genetic tests like the BRCA mutation test, there's a growing trend towards testing for overall health improvement and personalisation of care. However, the question arises: is this approach advisable?

Online services now offer tests where individuals swab the inside of their cheeks, but what happens next with the results? The surge in glucose testing is notable, but discussions increasingly focus on personalised genetic tests such as genomic testing. These tests provide insights into how our biology functions and how we can leverage this information to positively impact and enhance our health. From how we metabolise oestrogen to why some of us are better sleepers than others - is it all in our genes?

In today’s episode, I speak to cancer survivor, nutritional scientist and integrative oncology practitioner Toral Shah. We talk personal experiences and Toral will share with you how genomic testing can help you better understand your biology.

You can find out more about Toral  here: https://www.theurbankitchen.co.uk/ 

Here is the link to LifecodeGX https://www.lifecodegx.com/ and they share more information about the genomic testing. You cannot book directly but through a practitioner.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:58 Genetic code influences our health, individual variations.

07:52 Genetic testing, cancer risk, and epigenetic discussed.

11:08 Genetic mutation has an impact on family and potentially daughters.

13:50 Testing glucose responses to different foods is important.

22:31 Genetic testing reveals family's shared cancer risk.

28:52 Genomic testing requires practitioner input, diversity needed.

31:17 We need genetic counselling in healthcare settings.

34:16 Cancer diagnosis can be a transformative moment.

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.