Genetic Conditions
What is a genetic condition?
A genetic condition occurs when you inherit an altered (changed) gene from your parents that increases your risk of developing that particular condition. However not all genetic conditions are passed down from your parents, some gene changes occur randomly before you are born.
Many health conditions run in families. Genetic conditions are often called hereditary because they can be passed from parents to their children.
Examples of genetic conditions include:
Many health conditions run in families. Genetic conditions are often called hereditary because they can be passed from parents to their children.
Examples of genetic conditions include:
- some cancers
- cystic fibrosis
- high cholesterol
- haemophilia
- muscular dystrophy
- birth defects (for example, spina bifida or a cleft lip).
What are genes?
Your genes contain the information your body uses to control how you grow, develop and function. They determine most of your physical characteristics, including:
Many health conditions and diseases are also carried in our genes.
Your genes are contained in a number of packages called chromosomes. You have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in total. Changes in your chromosomes, such as having more than 46, can also cause genetic conditions like Down Syndrome.
- whether you are male or female
- blood type
- eye colour
- height
Many health conditions and diseases are also carried in our genes.
Your genes are contained in a number of packages called chromosomes. You have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in total. Changes in your chromosomes, such as having more than 46, can also cause genetic conditions like Down Syndrome.
How your genes affect your health
Almost all known conditions have a genetic basis. For example:
Social changes, such as women having children later in life, are also associated with:
- around 5 per cent of cancers are passed down through families
- early onset of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and osteoporosis are often because there is a family history of the condition.
Social changes, such as women having children later in life, are also associated with:
- an increased number of pregnancies at risk of genetic conditions and birth defects
- increased need for pregnancy screening and diagnostic tests.
How common are genetic conditions?
Approximately 6 out of 10 people will be affected by a condition which has some genetic background. Genetic conditions can range from mild to very severe.
How are genetic conditions treated or managed?
Many genetic disorders result from gene changes that are present in essentially every cell in the body. As a result, these disorders often affect many body systems, and most cannot be cured. However, approaches may be available to treat or manage some of the associated signs and symptoms.
Treatment and management strategies are designed to improve particular signs and symptoms associated with the disorder. These approaches vary by disorder and are specific to an individual's health needs.
Treatment and management strategies are designed to improve particular signs and symptoms associated with the disorder. These approaches vary by disorder and are specific to an individual's health needs.
Support for people with genetic conditions
- Your local general practitioner (GP)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): The NDIS is a way of providing funding to individuals with a disability. The goal of the NDIS is to provide you with the resources you need now, so you can build your capacity and independence for the future.
- Services and support through organisations such as Genetic Alliance Australia.
- Physio Labs - Give us a call on 07 5610 1933 to see how we can support you
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