When you go to the doctor, the first thing you’re asked is, “Do you have a family history of X?” Do you know the answer?

Understanding your family medical history might seem excessive, but it can play a major role in understanding and protecting your health. From attending routine appointments to identifying genetic risks, knowing more about your family history can give your provider the tools they need to personalize your care.

Nathaniel H. Robin, M.D., is a professor in the Department of Genetics and the director of the Clinical Genetics Division at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which provides insight into the importance of family medical history.

Knowing and understanding your medical history

Knowing your medical history is important for disease prevention, personalized health care, and increased communication with healthcare professionals. “Family members’ medical history is an excellent predictor of your own health risks...it can be a guide for your risk for both common and not-so-common disease,” Robin said. By learning about the health conditions that have affected your relatives, you can better understand your own risk and take proactive steps to manage or even prevent these conditions.

Start a conversation

It can be hard to discuss family medical history, but it is necessary. These types of conversations may be uncomfortable or feel intrusive, but they are essential to learn more. Robin explains that the best thing to do is to ask questions at family events. Begin by asking general questions:

Did someone have a life-threatening disease at a young age?

Did anyone have trouble learning?

Did someone have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant?

Having open and honest conversations with your family members is the best way to learn. Once you are aware of certain diseases that run in your family, it is important to keep a written record.

Role in disease prevention

Understanding your family health patterns better allows you to take preventive steps regarding your health. For example, if your family has a history of cancer and you are aware of that, a doctor can recommend genetic testing. This helps doctors better identify certain risk factors. Being aware of your medical history helps not only you but also healthcare professionals be more prepared.

Illness at a young age

An important thing to look for is whether any family members had an illness normally associated with old age at a young age. One of the most telling signs of inherited disease is when it appears earlier in life in one or more family members. “Knowing if anyone had a disease that was diagnosed at a young age that is typically associated with older age is important,” Robin said. Examples of diseases to keep an eye out for are heart attacks, cancer, strokes, and kidney disease, but any medical condition may have significance, even less serious conditions.

Updating family history

A common question is, “How often should I update my family medical history?” It is recommended that you discuss family history once a year to see if something new has arisen. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity, but any other family gathering will do. If there is something new to add to your family medical history, you should add it to your records and update your primary doctor.