Dr Harriet Etheredge, Gordon Bedford, Suzalee Blair-Gordon and Suzannah Kinsella: How do people feel about using genomic data to guide health across a lifetime?

In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore the hopes, concerns and complex questions raised by the idea of a lifetime genome — a single genomic record used across a person’s life to guide healthcare decisions. Drawing on conversations from Genomics England’s Public Standing Group on the lifetime genome, our guests explore what it might mean for individuals, families and society to have their genome stored from birth, and how it could transform healthcare.

The discussion reflects on the potential for earlier diagnoses, better treatments and long-term prevention, alongside pressing ethical concerns such as data security, consent, and the impact on family dynamics. Participants share their views and discuss the future role of genomic data in medicine, with insights into how trust, equity and public dialogue must shape this evolving field.

Our host for this episode, Dr Harriet Etheredge, is joined by Suzalee Blair-Gordon and Gordon Bedford, two members of the Genomics England’s Public Standing Group on the lifetime genome, and Suzannah Kinsella, Senior Associate at Hopkins Van Mil, a social sciences research agency that helped to facilitate this work. Together, they consider the broader societal implications of lifetime genomic data, and how public involvement can help guide policy and practice in the UK and beyond.

This conversation is part of our ongoing work through the Generation Study, exploring how genomics can be used responsibly and meaningfully from birth onwards. You can listen to some of our Generation Study episodes by following the links below.

• What can we learn from the Generation Study?
• How has design research shaped the Generation Study?
• What do parents want to know about the Generation Study?

 

"This isn’t just a science project, it’s about designing a future where everyone feels included and protected. We need more voices, parents, young people, underrepresented communities, to keep shaping it in the right direction."

 

You can download the transcript, or read it below.

Harriet: Welcome to Behind the Genes.

Suzalee: I have come to terms with the thought that life is unpredictable and I have already begun to accept any health condition that comes my way. Believe you me, I have been through the stage of denial, and yes, I have frozen upon hearing health diagnoses in the past but now I believe that I am a bit wiser to accept the things that I cannot change and to prepare to face the symptoms of whatever illness I am to be dealt with or to be dealt to me. If the analysis of my genome can help me to prepare, then yes, I am going to welcome this programme with open arms. 

Harriet: My name is Harriet Etheredge, and I am the Ethics Lead on the Newborn Genomes Programme here at Genomic England. On today’s episode I’m joined by 3 really special guests, Suzalee Blair and Gordon Bedford, who are members of Genomics England’s Public Standing Group on Lifetime Genomes, and Suzannah Kinsella, Senior Associate at Hopkins Van Mil, a social sciences research agency that has helped us to facilitate this work. 

Today we’ll be discussing the concept of the lifetime genome. What do we mean when we say, ‘lifetime genome’? How can we realise the promise of the lifetime genome to benefit people’s healthcare whilst at the same time