Genes are the templates within every living organism that produce proteins, which in turn create the phenomena of life. Every organism is composed of cells that develop from a fertilized egg. Each cell carries the same set of genetic material, existing in the form of chromosomes within the cell. This set of genetic material contains over 20,000 genes, and this entire collection is called the genome. Genetic testing is the examination that measures the relationship between gene types and biological traits, with the most common focus being the connection between gene types and diseases.

Genetic material is composed of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), which functions like a sequence of codes. The basic units of DNA are deoxynucleotides, classified into four types based on the bases they carry: G, A, T, and C. The human genome consists of a chain of 6*10^9 nucleotides, represented by the bases they carry as a long sequence of G, A, T, and C, called a gene sequence. Between individuals, the composition of each gene is almost identical; otherwise, physiological functions would change drastically, leading to diseases. However, the regions that encode proteins in genes only account for about 1% of the total genome length. The other regions, known as intergenic regions, make up 99% of the genome. Scientific research has found that, on average, in these 99% regions, every 300 nucleotides, there is a position that shows variation among individuals. These features can be considered markers and are referred to as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), acting like the fingerprints of life. Large-scale studies have shown that certain combinations of SNPs are highly correlated with specific disease risks or life traits (such as obesity, bone density).

There are numerous international databases that record the correlation between SNP characteristics and diseases. By determining the types of these SNP features in each individual, it is possible to estimate the likelihood of developing a disease. Every disease has a certain incidence rate within a population, and the test results can indicate whether an individual has a higher or lower risk compared to the average in the population. This represents a concept of risk probability; it does not mean that a person will definitely develop the disease nor that the presence of certain SNPs confirms illness. However, through risk testing, individuals can become more aware of relevant changes in their bodies, control risk factors, and adjust health checkup strategies accordingly.

Most genetic testing products on the market that predict disease risk are based solely on genetic factors. However, in reality, many diseases are influenced not only by genetic factors but also by numerous external environmental factors. Therefore, assessing disease risk based only on SNPs has limited predictive power. Phalanx’s personalized genomic service evaluates both genetic and environmental risks to which you are exposed, providing better predictive capability compared to other products on the market.

1. Phalanx's disease risk testing uses biochip technology, offering more loci than similar tests on the market, providing results that more closely align with group statistical data.
2. It exclusively incorporates environmental factor assessments, allowing individuals to better understand the comprehensive impact of environmental factors on their health.
3. The entire process, from design, manufacturing, analysis, computation, reporting, to service completion, is fully independent, ensuring 100% control of the technology.
4. The testing content is based on an Asian database, designed specifically for Asians.

The logic and methods of the two are very different. The test Angelina Jolie took was BRCA1 & 2 sequencing, used to check whether there are any congenital errors or deficiencies in the sequences of these two genes. These genes produce tumor suppressor proteins, responsible for repairing DNA errors in cells. When these genes are deficient, it becomes harder to repair DNA errors, leading to a higher likelihood of breast, colon, and ovarian cancers. Although the deficiency of tumor suppressor genes is strongly associated with cancer, only 10-20% of cancer patients actually carry such gene deficiencies.

Phalanx's disease risk package uses a SNP disease risk model, which does not check for errors in protein-coding regions, but instead focuses on other regions of DNA. It detects SNP markers that are highly associated with disease occurrence. The risk presented is based on the actual percentage of occurrence of these markers in large populations, without involving physiological functional defects.

As for a family history of cancer, there are many causes. A common cause is mutations in tumor suppressor genes, leading to hereditary cancers. Genes like p53, BRCA, PTEN, and ATM are more likely to be involved, and mutations in these genes require sequencing to confirm. However, even if a tumor suppressor gene mutation is identified, there is not much that can be done clinically. These mutations have a high impact on cancer development but do not necessarily account for a large proportion of overall cancer cases. For example, BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutations account for about 20-25% of breast cancer patients with a family history in Western populations, but among all breast cancer patients, only 5-10% have BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutations. These mutations do not fully explain hereditary cancer, as other factors such as environmental exposure also play a role. Nevertheless, if such mutations are found, it is important to increase the frequency of health checkups to detect cancer early.

On the other hand, SNP risks are also inherited from family, but the types are a combination inherited half from each parent and are not dominant like mutations. The advantage of SNP testing is its association with large population data. By understanding the risk index, family members living together can manage their health collectively or avoid exposure to risk factors, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.

Knowing your disease risk helps you better understand how your genetic predisposition compares to the average disease risk in the population. Based on the report's recommendations, you can implement more targeted lifestyle and health management, increase the frequency and depth of specific health screenings, and make appropriate insurance or medical resource allocations.

Phalanx ensures full protection of personal genetic test reports, and no insurance companies can access this information. Additionally, disease risk genetic testing is based on the concept of risk probability and does not indicate an existing illness or guarantee future illness. Therefore, there will be no issues related to knowingly applying for insurance with a pre-existing condition.

Phalanx has comprehensive protective measures and management systems in place for each customer's samples and reports, with multiple layers of encryption to ensure a high level of security.

SNP testing presents a concept of risk, representing a probability within a population, so there is no issue of accuracy for an individual. However, the SNP loci and research foundation used by Phalanx are based on a significant number of samples, providing a strong empirical basis. Additionally, with a larger number of loci used, the results theoretically align more closely with population-based empirical data."

Currently, most medical institutions focus on disease detection and intervention treatments, and consultations rarely cover preventive medicine. The report provided by Phalanx includes relevant information and health management recommendations, which are clear and easy to understand.

Most routine health checkups are capable of intensifying testing for higher-risk diseases. However, disease risk genetic testing is still a new domain for many health checkup providers. We are in the process of partnering with health checkup units and sharing expertise to serve individuals who need it. If you're considering testing, please contact Phalanx Biotech, and a specialist will explain everything to you.

Preventive medicine and genetic testing for disease risk are advancing rapidly, and current regulations have yet to establish verification standards. Since it does not involve medical diagnosis, there is no need to apply for approval at this time. Testing in this field is primarily for research and medical reference purposes, so there are no issues with legality.

Each person's SNPs are inherited half from their father and half from their mother, and the SNP genotype is a combination of both. However, the final outcome of traits is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors such as lifestyle. For example, someone may have a genotype that shows a high risk for colorectal cancer and a family history of the disease, but if they maintain a high-fiber diet, get regular sleep, avoid smoking, alcohol, and grilled or pickled foods, their risk of developing the disease can be significantly reduced.