Everyone is talking about biomarkers: Here's what you need to know 

Understanding biomarkers 

You may have heard the term “biomarker” in conversations about personalized medicine, proactive health, and longevity. But what is a biomarker, exactly?  

While this term is becoming commonplace, most people are only vaguely familiar with what it means. Numerous studies indicate that people are increasingly aware of biomarkers, but most don’t know what they are, don’t understand their results, and want more education from their healthcare providers.  

Yet, biomarker insights are the foundation of proactive, personalized treatment. When you understand your biomarkers, you can make informed decisions and track progress on your health journey. 

What is a biomarker?  

A biomarker is a measurement that reflects biological processes and can indicate disease risk or severity – in short, data that shows how your body is functioning or has changed. 

Biomarkers can reveal risks before symptoms appear, guide personalized care, and track progress – helping you and your physician make smarter decisions. Biomarkers also help assess how you respond to medical and lifestyle interventions, such as medication, diet adjustments, or changes to exercise routines. 

Think of biomarkers like your car’s dashboard indicators. Without fuel and engine gauges, you’d be guessing if you need gas or have a problem under the hood. Similarly, biomarkers provide clear signals so you can keep your body in top shape or address issues early. 

Common examples of biomarkers include heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose. But there are thousands of biomarkers. At Medcan, we group them into four categories: 

• Physiological: Markers like heart rate, weight, blood pressure, grip strength, and V02 Max 
• Molecular: Blood and urine metrics, like glucose and liver enzymes 
• Imaging-based: Findings from ultrasound, x-ray, or other scans, such as tumors 
• Genetic: DNA variations like BRCA1 or 2 (linked to breast cancer) or APOE (linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s) 

Quantity vs. quality – is tracking more biomarkers better? 

When it comes to biomarkers, more isn’t always better. There’s no universal definition of what counts as a biomarker, and some providers lean on quantity as a marketing tactic. At Medcan, we take an evidence-based, transparent approach: every biomarker we report is selected for its clinical significance and the actionable insights it provides to you and your physician. 

Why does this matter? 

Counting more biomarkers doesn’t mean you’re getting more meaningful information. Some providers list every granular metric as a biomarker, creating the illusion of comprehensiveness without adding real value. At Medcan, we take a different approach, guided by clinical leadership.  

For example, our Annual Health Assessment includes four body composition biomarkers from the InBody scan: Body Fat Percentage, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Visceral Fat Surface Area, and Basal Metabolic Rate – the measures that matter most for health and longevity. 

Other providers might segment the same scan into multiple “biomarkers,” counting each limb individually and turning one meaningful metric into many – without adding value. While we provide clients with a detailed InBody report, we don’t inflate our advertised biomarker list with segmental breakdowns.  

Every biomarker we track is backed by evidence and chosen for its impact on your health – because quality isn’t about quantity, it’s about meaningful data that drives better decisions. 

Our Difference 

• Evidence-based: Our physician-led approach prioritizes data that matters, not superficial metrics. 
• Physician Oversight: While some organizations tout their large biomarker panels, and may include review by a clinician, most do not offer the physician oversight that our medical staff provide. Having highly trained physicians working with our clients to interpret these results within the clients’ personal context is key to our value proposition. 
• Comprehensive & meaningful: Our Annual Health Assessment and Enhanced Assessments include hundreds of clinically valid biomarkers (thousands with genetic screening), chosen for their impact on informed health decisions. 
• Innovation: We stay ahead of the curve and are at the forefront of biomarker science. For example, unlike most other providers, we test hs-Troponin – a cardiac protein with groundbreaking value in predicting and preventing heart attacks. Our findings, published in Cardiology, validate its clinical importance in proactive health management. 

Are biomarkers the whole story? 

The short answer is no. While biomarkers are incredibly valuable, focusing on biomarkers alone is an incomplete approach to understanding your health. In a thorough evaluation like our Annual Health Assessment, the physical exam, dietary assessment, mental health evaluation, health and family history, and self-reported symptoms are also important. 

Dr. Peter Nord, Medcan’s Chief Medical Officer, explains:  

“Combining a carefully chosen set of clinically valid biomarkers with a client exam and detailed health history is the most effective method of building someone’s health picture. The qualitative information we get from client interactions can speak volumes and lead to a more precise physician interpretation.” 

For example, if you’ve had a dull ache in your back for several weeks, a biomarker assessment alone may not explain why. That’s where a conversation and physical exam add critical context. Similarly, a hormone panel taken at a single point in time is not enough information to guide medical interventions. What really matters are symptoms, physical changes, timing, trends, and clinical context. Hormones fluctuate naturally – without context a biomarker only panel isn't meaningful and can create confusion rather than clarity. 

“Combining a carefully chosen set of clinically valid biomarkers with a client exam and detailed health history is the most effective method of building someone’s health picture.

Dr. Peter Nord, Medcan’s Chief Medical Officer