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Oregon Health Authority

Family Health History

1 in 10 patients have a family health history that qualifies them for an HBOC genetic screening referral


Have you ever collected or written down your family history of cancer? 

  • Our genes play an important role in our overall health
  • Nine out of the top 10 causes of death for Oregonians have genetic components. 
If your patient has a genetic variation for HBOC (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer), then one of their parents is extremely likely to also have that genetic risk, and each of their siblings and children have a 50% chance of having that same risk.

Luckily, by understanding personal risk factors, we can help patients take specific action to reduce the risk. Genetic screening for one family member can bring knowledge benefits to the whole family.


Learn more about Family Health History from the CDC

Family Health History Worksheets

  • This three-page document from Cancer.Net can help capture your cancer family health history. If there is exceptional cancer history, further detail can be included in the additional notes.

Talking with Family Members

Family Health History Toolkits and Resources

  • This web-based tool from the U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative helps families to collect and share their family health history information in a private way.
  • Developed by genetic counselors at University of California San Francisco, Kintalk is an educational and family communication site for individuals and their families with hereditary cancer conditions.


Screenwise Videos for Providers

Let’s Talk About It

Description: Delessa Meashintubby speaks about the importance of family health history.

The Importance of Genetic Testing

Description: Dr. Brooke Kyle speaks about the importance of genetic testing

Printed Materials for Providers