An accurate family medical history is an important tool for genetics providers. If certain diseases affect one generation, it can be more likely that the next generation will be similarly affected. A healthcare practitioner can use family history information to provide more accurate risk assessments and to help guide screening and prevention recommendations. A family history is often recorded by drawing a "pedigree." A pedigree uses symbols to represent family members and relationships.
Figure 1: Sample family tree from family with early-onset breast cancer
If you have a personal or family history of cancer, you can print out and complete the Cancer Risk Evaluation Packet created by the Familial Cancer Risk Assessment Center at Lahey Clinic.
For additional information on how to document your family history and interactive family history tools, please use the following links:
Your Family History - Your Future
- General information about how to gather and document your family history created by the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
The Cancer History Guide
- An interactive tool created by Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. to document your family history of cancer.
My Generations
- An interactive tool created by Evanston Northwestern Healthcare to document your family history of cancer.
My Family Health Portrait
- An interactive tool created by the US Surgeon General Family History Initiative as a way to document your family history of cancer and other medical conditions.
