Genetic research in Indigenous health: significant progress, substantial challenges

Garvey, Gail; Bernardes, Christina M

doi:10.5694/mja12.11075

Topics

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Kowal about genetic research in Indigenous health.1 As stated, this topic is extremely sensitive, but it is one that we must now tackle. The article raises a related issue that has not received any attention: the provision of genetic health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Division of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Menzies School of Health Research, Brisbane, QLD.

Correspondence: Gail.Garvey@menzies.edu.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

1. Kowal EE. Genetic research in Indigenous health: significant progress, substantial challenges. Med J Aust 2012; 197: 19-20.
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2008. Canberra: AIHW, 2008. (AIHW Cat. No. IHW 21.) http://www.aihw.gov. au/publication-detail/?id=6442468085/ (accessed Aug 2012).
3. Evans DG. Genetic predisposition to cancer. Medicine 2012; 40: 29-33.

Online responses are no longer available. Please refer to our instructions for authors page for more information.