Step 2: Explain why you are asking.
These conversations can be difficult and talking about family health history may not be part of your normal dinner discussions. Consider starting the conversation this way: “I recently read about how family health history information can help prevent disease or diagnose it early. I realized that I don’t know much about this in our family! Do you mind if I ask a few quick questions to help understand what this could mean for my health?” Or, bring it up while discussing what you’re thankful for – your health, something that generations of women before us didn’t have access to. When you know your risk, you can be proactive!
Step 3: Collect what you can.
This process isn’t foolproof, and you may have to do some digging to get all of this information. If you aren’t able to answer every question, don’t let that discourage you. You’ve taken an amazingly proactive step by collecting what you can.
Step 4: Assess Your Risk
After you’ve learned as much as you can about your family health history, it’s time to put that knowledge to work. Visit AssessYourRisk.org to complete a digital quiz that asks questions about your family health history, personal health history, and lifestyle to deliver a personalized report on your baseline risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Email this report or print it and bring it to your next primary care appointment!
RELATED: Capture Your Family’s History, One Story At A Time!
You May Also Like
A New Thanksgiving Tradition
The last item of your game plan might be the most important: sign up for Bright Pink emails so we can remind you to ask about family health history again next year. This isn’t a one-and-done practice. Family health history can change from year to year. A new development could end up being the most important piece of information you need to be proactive about your health.
Make sure you’re following Bright Pink on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for Thanksgiving Game Plan tips and inspiration all week leading up to Turkey Day.
