The 2003 breakthrough in medicine was marked by the discovery that scientists could read every bit of the genetic code of an individual human being.

How we react to drugs and what diseases we develop depends on our individual genes. Personalized medicine, which is based on our genetic codes, allows us to create specific treatments that work for each individual.

This personalization is crucial in cancer treatment. It is possible for tumors of the same type to have different genetic mutations. Many of the drugs available today are targeted at specific genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This means that a drug that works for one tumor may not work for another.

It has taken a long time to realize the immense promise of personalized medicine. To prove that genetic variations are linked to diseases and to significantly lower the cost of sequencing genes, it has taken major technological and scientific advances.

Recent progress has been remarkable. Personalized medicines have accounted for more than 25% of all FDA-approved drugs in the past few years. By 2020, there will be a global market for targeted therapies as well as gene tests. is expected to top $149 billionPer year.

Pittsburgh, a company that has been driving this rapid growth is one of them. Helomics. Clinical tests have been developed by the company for biomarkers and key genes in many different types of cancers. A personalized approach with Helomics’ ChemoFx test results in a 14-month increase in overall survival for patients with gynecologic carcinoma. For example, the BioSpeciFx test examines genes in cancer cells to determine the patient’s response to drugs.

Helomics is also expanding its reach with a new technology it calls D-CHIP™ and a strategic collaboration Skyline Medical (NASDAQ SKLN) is a company that markets a revolutionary system for collecting fluids from patients. In 2018, more drugs will be customized for you.

 

The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. Although 98 per cent of insurance claims are processed within 30 working days, it can be frustrating for those who have difficulty paying their medical bills.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It’s vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, rising healthcare costs have forced employers to take cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is just one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

In the past, fast payment policies were a luxury. It’s a necessity. It is vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.