Anne Wojcicki, the CEO of 23andMe, is helping people learn what their DNA could mean for their identity and their health

Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Anne Wojcicki, the CEO and cofounder of genetic-testing startup 23andMe, thinks that by giving people a glimpse at their DNA, we can begin to prevent diseases instead of dealing with them after they're diagnosed.

"If I know your blueprint, I know essentially what you're made of," Wojcicki told Business Insider.

23andMe's tests provide insight into your ancestry and your risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and breast cancer. With 10 million customers, the company is one of the first to give people a basic understanding of how genetics affect their lives, something experts say will be increasingly important as our DNA becomes a cornerstone of personalized healthcare.

"It's all about activating our customers to be advocates in their own health," Wojcicki said.

23andMe's tests aren't comprehensive. Like a handful of other tests on the market, they analyze only small chunks of DNA that have been strongly tied to certain characteristics and illnesses.

23andMe has faced criticism from outside experts who have argued that the insight the tests provide is limited and could be misinterpreted. Others have raised privacy concerns.

Wojcicki said those questions come down to choice.

"People who are not comfortable with it shouldn't do it," she said. "People who are comfortable should absolutely do it."