Most families don’t talk about this important medical issue

A recent global survey conducted by health insurance company Bupa found that one in seven people have never told their relatives about their family health history. The survey surveyed 8,000 adults and 169 health professionals from countries including the UK, Australia and Spain.

Among respondents, 30% said they never think about discussing their family’s health status, and 20% said their family members don’t talk about health openly.

“One in seven people are connected to family members who don’t have those conversations, so in some ways it’s like one in seven families,” said Sherry Pagoto, a licensed clinical psychologist who worked on the study.

According to the study, nearly four in five (79%) health care workers surveyed agreed that “more lives could be saved if patients had greater knowledge of their family health history.”

Knowledge of genetic health risks allows doctors to make informed decisions, such as screening patients for diseases that run in their families, Pagoto said. But patients may not understand the importance of those conversations or may be uncomfortable knowing their health history, she added.

Another problem is that “we don’t really know how to address it,” said Pagoto, who is also a professor in the University of Connecticut’s School of Health Sciences. Some people may wonder how to approach the topic or what to do with the information once they have it.

Here are Pagoto’s tips for starting a conversation with your family about genetic health risks and what she suggests for next steps.

Trust that your loved ones are open to the conversation. “People are surprised when their family members tell them about themselves,” Pagoto says. “Especially elderly family members.” Check your current mood. Start with something comfortable by asking, “How are you feeling today?” she suggests. You can ask about your recent health checkup or consultation with your doctor. Introducing topics related to family health history. “I’d like to know more about any health conditions you’ve had, because they can run in your family,” she suggests. Or, you can ask about the cause of a particular family member’s death to get a more complete picture. Take notes and document subsequent information. Approach this conversation as if you were creating a family tree, but talk about health conditions, Pagoto says. Having all your information in one place makes it easy to share with doctors, siblings, and your children. Get other family members involved: If you talk to your maternal grandmother about that side of the family, you might ask your siblings to talk about the paternal side, she notes. Delegating tasks makes it easier for everyone to get the knowledge they need. Share what you’ve learned with the right people: Once you know about your genetic health risks, it’s important to share what you’ve learned with your doctor and family. Ask your doctor questions like, “Are there any tests or screenings I should do right away?” or “What recommendations do you have (for prevention)?”

Remember, knowing about your family’s health history is just background and is not a predictor of what to expect in your own future, says Pagoto. “Genes are not destiny. Genes are part of the equation. Lifestyle and health care are a big part of the equation,” she explains.

“It may actually make you more motivated to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors that we sometimes feel like we don’t feel like doing or don’t have time for. They really move to the top of our priority list.”

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