The Holidays: A Time to Talk About Family Health

Holiday family gatherings offer a great opportunity to create valuable new memories with our loved ones, and to share something equally important: your family’s health history.

While countless conditions run in families, it’s common to be worried about cancer since it often comes with the most uncertain outcomes. Knowing who in your family has had cancer, and how much of it exists in your family history, empowers you to safeguard your health and take proactive action.

Why asking about cancer history matters

Cancer can run in families. Sometimes it happens because you’re exposed to the same factors. Other times, you inherit genes that increase your risk.

Only 5 to 10 percent of cancer cases are linked to changes in your genes. However, there are some cancers that have a strong genetic connection. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations have a significant link to breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and male breast cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, having one of these mutations substantially increases the risk of breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men.

If you have several family members with the same cancer, your chances of having a genetic mutation are higher. That doesn’t necessarily mean you will get cancer. But it does increase your risk. That’s why it’s important to talk with a doctor who can help you take steps to prevent the disease or detect it early, when it’s most treatable.

Who to talk to and what to ask about your family cancer history

The first step is identifying which family members you should talk to. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests gathering health information from your blood relatives, particularly first- and second-degree relatives. Collect details about any relatives who have died, too. This can include your:

• Aunts and uncles
• Children
• Nieces and nephews
• Parents and grandparents
• Siblings

Several factors are key to assessing your risk of cancer. Consider asking these questions of your blood relatives:

• For relatives who died, what was their age at death? What was their cause of death?
• How old was your relative (living or dead) when they were diagnosed?
• What type of cancer did they have? 

What to do with your family cancer history information

Once you’ve gathered this information, take it to your healthcare provider. Based on your family history and other risk factors, they can recommend lifestyle changes and preventive screenings that may minimize the impact cancer has on your life.

Routine health screenings are one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer-related deaths. They can detect the first signs of cancer, making treatment easier and more successful.

Depending on your family history, your doctor may also recommend genetic counseling and testing. Genetic counselors can conduct specific genetic tests that provide a more in-depth examination of your DNA. Not only will they identify the full range of your genetic risks, but they will also help you understand what those factors mean. If cancer does develop, genetic test results can also help guide more personalized treatment options.

Be sure to also share important information from your genetic testing with family members. It may encourage them to start life-saving cancer screenings.

Tips for collecting family cancer history details

Starting a conversation about personal health history can be difficult. However, there are ways to make your relatives feel more comfortable with the discussion.

To put your loved ones at ease, consider these tips:

• Start by sharing your own health information. This sets the stage for a two-way conversation.
• Talk with each family member individually and pick a private spot where they can speak openly.
• Explain why you’re asking about their health.
• Ask specific questions, one at a time. Find out what other health conditions they have (like heart disease or diabetes) and their age at diagnosis.
• Write down the details from every family member. If you find out about any health changes in the future, add them to your record.

After heart disease, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Knowing if your family history puts you at higher risk for developing the disease could help save your life or the life of a loved one. So, make it a goal this year, in between the big family holiday dinners or parties, to take a couple of minutes to ask a few questions. Your family will come away with a priceless gift: health knowledge. If you’re concerned about a family history of cancer, talk to your primary care provider to see if screening is right for you.