Seminar Two

  Using assessments of biological and genetic risk to inform policy priorities.

Genetic and biologic risk factors are implicated in ethnic differentials in a wide range of diseases including breast and ovarian cancer, asthma, diabetes, sickle-cell disease and cystic fibrosis. However, how new genetic knowledge should be translated into policy and programme action is not straightforward. Despite a huge increase in genetic services in the past ten years or so, concerns over equity of access are widespread. As Ashcroft (2003) notes 'the relationship between social categories such as 'ethnicity' and biological variation is intellectually and politically fraught with difficulty'. The extent to which 'ethnic group' can be used as an efficient screening tool is highly context and disease-specific. Furthermore, how genetic services can be delivered to 'high risk' groups without leading to stigmatism or discrimination is an important consideration. The social impacts of genetic risk information are only recently being considered through multidisciplinary research in areas such as congenital birth disorders among Pakistanis. This seminar will encourage debate around these important practical, social and ethical issues between social scientists, genetic epidemiologists and healthcare practitioners.

Date : Wednesday 1 st June 2005 ( 2.00-6.00pm ).

Venue : University House, Main Campus, University of Leeds.

Convenors : Karl Atkin and Elizabeth Anionwu

Programme details:

Directions:

Attendance at the seminar will be limited to 50 participants. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis within three categories (academic or researcher / community-based or voluntary organisation staff / statutory practitioner or policy-maker). Please complete and send a request for registration if you would like to attend.