Does Wealth Make You More Prone to Breast Cancer?

Finnish researchers have uncovered fascinating links between genetics, socioeconomic status (SES), and disease risk. Their study shows that people with lower SES, determined by education and occupation, are genetically more prone to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, depression, alcohol use disorder, and Type 2 diabetes. On the flip side, those with higher SES face greater genetic risks for cancers like breast and prostate cancer.

Dr. Fiona Hagenbeek from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) shared these findings at the European Society of Human Genetics conference. She highlighted the potential of polygenic risk scores, which predict disease risk based on genetics, to improve screening processes.

"Understanding that genetic risk varies with SES could lead to more tailored screening," Dr. Hagenbeek explained. "For example, women with a high genetic risk for breast cancer and higher education might benefit from earlier or more frequent screenings."

Using data from 280,000 Finnish participants in the FinnGen study, this research is the first to systematically explore how genetic susceptibility to 19 complex diseases varies with SES. The team plans to extend their study to include more specific measures of education and profession and compare their findings with data from other countries.

Dr. Hagenbeek also stressed the importance of expanding this research to diverse populations worldwide. "To truly personalize healthcare, we need to consider both genetic and environmental factors," she said.

Professor Alexandre Reymond from the University of Lausanne praised the Finnish team's work, emphasizing that understanding both genetic and environmental risks is crucial for the future of personalized medicine.

This study marks a significant step towards more equitable and effective healthcare, where disease prevention strategies are tailored not only to an individual's genetics but also their socioeconomic context.