It’s that time of year…soon, we’ll be gathered with our loved ones to enjoy some turkey and great conversation. But because Thanksgiving is also National Family Health History Day, we challenge you to talk about more than just how great the stuffing is!
Completing a family history chart like this one can help you determine if you have a family history of cancer or other diseases. This information will help you and your health care provider decide which cancer screenings you need, when to begin screening and how often you should be screened. It’s important to discuss any family history of cancer with your health care provider as this may put you at greater risk for certain types of cancer.
Uncertain of your family history? A genetic counselor can help determine if genetic testing makes sense for you based on your available family health history and your race/ethnicity. You may want to check with your insurance company to see if this meeting is covered by your insurance.