Does the the sheer influx of racial genomes cause disease and why do I get a long generalized answer like this?

The relationship between genomics, race, and disease is a complex and multifaceted topic. Let’s delve into it:

1. Genomic Knowledge and Inequality:

   • Genomics, the study of an individual’s genetic material, has the potential to perpetuate inequality and structural racism.
   • Despite ample evidence emphasizing the social and political nature of health disparities, there has been a shift in focus from environmental causes to genetic causes.
   • Health disparities are sometimes imagined to be solely the result of DNA differences, rather than considering the intergenerational health effects of societal racism.
   • Genomics research can reinforce the notion that race is determined by our genes, which can further entrench structural racism¹.

2. Genetic Ancestry and Disease Risk:

   • Recent studies have argued for a strong correlation between genetic ancestry and race, advocating for the continued use of genetic ancestry measures in disease studies.
   • However, relying solely on continental genetic ancestry (often proxied by race) as an indicator of disease risk is misleading and harmful.
   • Diseases like diabetes and cancer demonstrate poly- and omnigenic influences, as well as plastic responses to environmental conditions influenced by structural racism.
   • Investigating racial disparities in disease should involve rigorous measures of structural racism alongside careful examination of genetic factors in relevant disease pathways, rather than using genetic ancestry or race as crude proxies for disease-causing alleles².

3. Balancing Justice and Genomic Advancements:

   • Justice should be at the heart of medicine, and bioethics must consider fairness and equity for human lives.
   • Implementing practices to address health inequity requires biomedical efforts as well as political efforts that go beyond historical norms.
   • Rather than perpetuating genetic supremacy, we should explore ways to understand disease disparities through a holistic lens, considering both social and genetic factors¹.

In summary, genomics should not overshadow the broader context of structural racism and social determinants of health. By examining both genetic and environmental factors, we can work toward a more equitable understanding of disease and health outcomes². ????????????