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Oregon Health Authority

Family Health History

What is Family Health History?

Simply, it is a record of health conditions that run in a family. Many times, family members share genetic conditions, habits, and similar environmental risk factors that can increase the risk of health conditions such as cancer.  Your genes play an important role in our overall health. Your chance of developing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers can be increased by having a family health history of that health concern.

By documenting your family health history and sharing that information with your medical provider, you will be your own health advocate.

Learn more about Family Health History from the CDC website

Family Health History Guidebook

Talking with Family Members

Family Health History Toolkit and Newsletter

  • My Family Health Portrait
    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.

Generational Health Campaign 

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

Generational Health Campaign Provider Materials