We inherit physical features, personality traits and traditions from our families that can be very visible during holidays when we get together. What about genetics and medical conditions? They may not always be noticeable, but your family health history is important to be aware of. Family health history is such an important part of routine medical care that the U.S. Surgeon General declared in 2004 that National Family Health History Day should fall on Thanksgiving Day. Time spent in the presence of family provides you with good opportunities to learn more about your family history, including the implications your family history may have on your health.
Heart disease, diabetes and cancer are the most common conditions that can run in families. Being aware of risk factors, including your family medical history, can help inform you and your health care providers when it comes to prevention.
If you feel uncomfortable broaching the subject with a parent, grandparent or sibling, follow some of the tips below to get conversations going. Knowledge is power, especially in being proactive with your health.
Find a space other than the dining table to ask questions. Approach a family member individually or in a smaller group in a quiet space. They may not be comfortable talking in front of everyone.
Be sensitive. Sometimes medical issues are difficult to discuss. Basic information is enough for you to go on; don’t force them to give too many details. Also, do your best to communicate that you are just trying to gather information that might inform your own health journey.
Be specific. While you don’t require intimate details, it is good to ask specific questions to help you and your doctor know if and when you are greater risk for certain diseases.
The 3 most important questions to ask are Who? What? When?
- Who in the family was affected? In addition to those present, ask about other family members who may not be living any longer or simply may not be with you.
- What was their diagnosis? (What type of cancer did they have? What was the name of the heart disease?)
- When were they diagnosed? (A specific age is great, but an estimate is also good)
Write it down. Don’t rely on your memory. Take notes that can be reviewed with your provider.
Knowing your family’s health history can help you be aware of diseases or chronic conditions that you may not have otherwise considered. More common conditions, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and cancer that are in your family, are things to discuss with your health care team. Sometimes, families have less common conditions that may have a genetic risk, so it is important to document as much as you can about you family’s health history. Your health care team can use this information to see if there are additional screening tests or preventative options that can reduce the chance of you getting a disease or possibly lessen the severity. Sometimes, your doctor may see a concern in the family history for certain hereditary conditions and may refer you to a genetic counselor for further discussion.
Genetic counseling is becoming more and more prevalent to help us understand how our family history plays a part in our own health and health risks. Genetic testing can be particularly effective in helping identify markers that place one at a higher risk for certain cancers. In fact, genetic counseling and testing are often very important first steps toward implementing vital screening and cancer risk reduction.
While you spend time with parents, grandparents and siblings this holiday season, try to weave some health information into your conversations about work, kids and vacations. You may be surprised to learn about some of the commonalities you share and how health influences all aspects of our lives.
Rebecca MacFalda, M.S., C.G.C., is a genetic counselor at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. She helps patients better understand their risks for hereditary cancers so they can make informed decisions regarding their genetic health.
