Family medical history is like a health map. Certain conditions—heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, thyroid issues, mental health conditions—run more commonly in families.
Knowing this doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get them, but it helps doctors judge your risk and suggest earlier or more frequent screenings.
To collect it, start simple. Ask parents, grandparents, and siblings:
- Do/did they have high BP, diabetes, heart problems, stroke?
- Any cancers? Which type and at what age?
- Any major surgeries, brain conditions, kidney issues, autoimmune diseases?
- Any known genetic conditions in the extended family?
Write it down with approximate ages—“heart attack at 52”, “diabetes from 40s”, etc. You don’t need every tiny detail; broad patterns are enough.
Some families hesitate to talk about illness. Be gentle, explain that you’re not judging—just trying to keep everyone healthier with better information.
Carry a summary of this when you see a new doctor. It often changes what tests or lifestyle advice they prioritise for you.
