I mean in each of those 100 trillion cells we have 50,000 to 80,000 different genes, making up to 1 million different protein products, all changing dynamically in real time just as we re sitting here. Now we have a new paradigm. Take the colon cancer gene for example. You can find out whether you have those genetic changes that show a greatly increased risk for colon cancer. If you know that, it means you can do something about your own life.
Most people die from that.
Whereas if you know you have a greatly increased risk and hopefully we can develop a blood test for it in the very near future you don t have to wait for random symptoms. Because it s not genetic predestination. There s an increased risk. And if we understand that, then maybe by having a very different diet from early on that 10-year old girl can really benefit from knowing that she is at increased risk for breast cancer. Increased risk does not mean absolute risk.