Emirati Genome Program: Positive Genomic Results

Have You Received a Positive Genomic Result? Find Out What it Means and What to Do Next.

If you took part in the Emirati Genome Program (EGP), and you have received a positive result, you may have questions about what to do next. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is here to help.

A positive genomic result may indicate that you have an inherited genetic variant associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers or other medically actionable health conditions. The result does not mean that you have cancer – it means that your risk may be higher.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is uniquely equipped in the UAE to support patients who have received a positive EGP result. We are here to help you understand what your results mean, with specialist expertise and a multidisciplinary team providing further testing and, where needed, a personalized plan for screening, prevention and ongoing care.

Received a positive Emirati Genome result? Contact our Call Center on 800 8 2223 and state ‘EGP Positive’ as your reason for calling.

What is the Emirati Genome Program?

Launched in 2019, the Emirati Genome Program is a national initiative to map the DNA of UAE citizens to advance personalized, preventive healthcare. Since then, over 900,000 Emiratis have taken part in the program, which is helping to create a genomic database so researchers can study genetic variations and understand how and why people’s DNA differs and the impact this has on their health.

Recently, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) announced plans to provide participants with genomic reports with information about the predisposition genes, as well as non-cancer clinically actionable genes. The aim is to empower patients and their families with information that they and their healthcare providers can use to reduce the risk of cancer and/or detect cancer at its earliest stages where it has the highest chance of cure.

What does a positive EGP result mean?

A positive EGP genomic result does not mean that you have cancer. It means that you may have an inherited genetic variant that is associated with an increased risk of developing a certain type of cancer. These are called cancer-predisposition genes. The positive result may also mean that you have a gene associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome, which is an inherited gene mutation that increases your chance of getting cancer, or another actionable health condition – a medical issue or genetic risk where you can take practical steps to prevent, treat, or manage the problem early.

The significance of your positive EGP result will depend on the gene that has been identified, the genetic variant and many other factors such as your personal and family medical history.

The next step is to have your result reviewed by a specialist. Clinical assessment and genetic counseling can help to explain what the result means for you and your family, and whether confirmatory testing, enhanced screening, preventive measures, or specialist follow-up are needed.

What do I do if I have a Positive EGP Result?

If you have received a positive EGP result, contact our Call Center and we will arrange a consultation with a Primary Care Physician who will discuss a care pathway with you, which will be tailored to your individual result, health and family history.

1. Receive your result: You have been notified by the DOH that your result needs follow-up.
2. Contact Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: Contact us on 800 8 2223 and state ‘EGP Positive’ as your reason for calling.
3. Initial assessment: Attend an appointment with a Primary Care Physicians, who will review your result and discuss nest steps.
4. Confirmatory genetic testing: A blood test may be performed to confirm the genomic finding. Results typically take 2 - 3 weeks.
5. Genetic counseling: If the positive result is confirmed, your care team will explain what it means for you and your family.
6. Individualized risk assessment: Your care team will consider your result alongside your personal and family history to assess your individual risk.
7. Screening and risk-reduction: Depending on your result and individual risk, you may be offered enhanced cancer screening, ongoing surveillance or risk-reducing strategies.
8. Specialist referral and management: If needed, you may be referred to appropriate specialists for further assessment, screening or treatment.
9. Long-term personalized follow-up: Your care team will develop an ongoing plan based on your individual needs.

You do not need a referral from the DOH to arrange a consultation with us.