Knowing Your Family Health History Matters

November 27th is Family Health History Day, a perfect time to start conversations that can make a real difference in your health and the health of future generations. Understanding your family’s medical background helps you and your healthcare provider identify patterns, assess risk factors, and create a proactive plan for prevention and early detection.

At Campbell County Health, our primary care providers are here to help you use this information to make informed choices about your well-being. Whether it’s recommending screenings, managing chronic conditions, or supporting healthy lifestyle changes, we’re your partners in lifelong health.

Key Questions to Ask Your Family

Cancer History

• Does anyone in our family have a history of cancer? If so, who has or had it?

• What type of cancer did they have, and how old were they when diagnosed?

• Are there multiple family members with cancer, and are they from the same side of the family?

Chronic Diseases

• Has anyone in our family been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or asthma?

• How are these conditions managed, and what treatments have been effective?

Mental Health

• Is there a history of mental health conditions in our family, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder?

• How have these conditions been treated, and are there any known triggers?

Other Serious Illnesses

• Are there any other serious illnesses in the family, such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or genetic disorders?

• What were the circumstances surrounding these illnesses, and how were they treated?

Family Medical History

• What were the causes of death for deceased family members, and at what age did they pass away?

• Are there any known hereditary conditions or genetic disorders in the family?

Lifestyle Factors

• What lifestyle habits do family members have that may affect health, such as smoking, alcohol use, or diet?

• Are there any preventive measures that family members take, such as regular screenings or vaccinations?

Additional Considerations

Document Everything:
Keep a written or digital record of your family’s health history. This can be an important resource for your healthcare provider when making decisions about your care.

Talk to Multiple Relatives:
Reach out to several family members to get a complete and accurate picture. Different relatives may recall different details that help fill in the gaps.

Take Action for Your Health

By taking the time to ask these questions, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your family’s health background and how it may impact your own. Share this information with your healthcare provider so they can assess your risk factors, recommend appropriate screenings, and help you take preventive steps to stay well.