February marks National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to emphasize that early detection and prevention can save lives. At University Medical Center of El Paso, physicians encourage families to have one important conversation: your family history of cancer.
Understanding your family’s health history isn’t about creating fear. It’s about creating a plan.
Why Family History Matters
According to the American Cancer Society, family health history plays an important role in determining personal cancer risk. While it may feel uncomfortable to ask relatives about medical diagnoses, these conversations can uncover patterns that help doctors recommend the right screenings at the right time.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to start collecting this information during family gatherings and look through any family records, death certificates, or obituaries. Even small details, such as the type of cancer and age at diagnosis, can make a difference.
Signs You May Have a Higher Risk
According to the CDC, you may have an increased risk for certain cancers if you have a family history of:
- Breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer
- A relative diagnosed with uterine, breast, or colorectal cancer before age 50
- Two or more relatives on the same side of the family with uterine, breast, or colorectal cancer
- A female relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- A male relative diagnosed with breast cancer
- Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
Sharing this information with your doctor is the first step. It may influence when you begin screening, how often you’re tested, or whether genetic counseling is recommended.
How to Start the Conversation
It is recommended to collect information from at least two to three generations of close relatives, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The American Cancer Society suggests the following questions:
- Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?
- What type of cancer was it?
- How old were you at diagnosis?
- Have you ever been told you have a condition that increases cancer risk?
- Have you had genetic counseling or testing?
During National Cancer Prevention Month, University Medical Center of El Paso encourages families to start the conversation. Early detection, informed screening, and personalized care can make all the difference.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
