OhioHealth cancer genetic counselors are encouraging you to learn more about your family tree.

Common diseases like cancer often have genetic roots. For instance, people with close family members with cancer, such as breast or colon, often have increased cancer risks themselves.

Physicians and genetic counselors can help people with a family history of cancer clarify their specific risks of cancer and take steps to avoid the disease, but first they need an accurate understanding of their family health history.

The U.S. Surgeon General has developed an easy, web-based tool for organizing and updating family health history. With easy to follow instructions in English or Spanish, up to three generations of family health history can be entered and organized into a chart-format or traditional pedigree design. The health history should then be printed out and shared with a family physician. If there is significant concern, a physician may refer someone to a genetics specialist.