Here are the details to collect, how to start the conversation and free online tools to help you build a solid family health history.
Information to collect:
Write down the names of relatives on both sides of the family (ideally three generations): parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, cousins. (Accessing a family tree may be helpful)
Add for each person any information you have about their:
sex at birth
date of birth
ethnicity
known medical and mental health conditions and age of diagnosis
any other details about lifestyle, habits, environmental factors, results of any genetic testing. (If a family member is deceased, note age at time of death, any known medical/mental health conditions, and cause of death)
Start the conversation!
Identify the family members on each side (mother’s and father’s side) who might be most knowledgeable about your family members.
Let them know the reason you would like to ask them some questions and the kinds of information you are seeking. Give them some time to think about it or to collect info if needed.
Share any information you have gathered so far and then ask them to add more details where possible.
Some family members may be uncomfortable discussing these matters. Respect the privacy of your relatives as confidential information is shared. Let them know that having this information gathered will benefit ALL family members.
The information can be gathered in person, by phone, or in writing – whatever is most comfortable and most convenient. In cases where information is incomplete, just include what is accurately known. Do not guess.
Sometimes medical records and family documents like scrapbooks can fill in some blanks, as can public records.
What to do with the information you’ve collected:
Create a written document (or see below for online options) with the collected family history information gathered.
Share copies with other family members for them to share with their own doctors to inform them of their family health history.
Give a copy of the Family Health History to your doctor for their records and review it with them. The document can help your doctor look for early warning signs of disease and recommend steps for reducing your personal risk of disease.
Questions to ask your doctor about review of your Family Health History:
Does my family history put me at risk for certain conditions or diseases? Other members of my family?
Are there any screening tests I should have now or in the future?
Should I have genetic counseling or genetic testing?
What lifestyle recommendations do you have to reduce my risk?
What information should I share with other family members?
Be sure to update the records over time and provided updated copies to family members. This can be a valuable document for future generations as well.
Free online tools to help collect your family health history and share it with relatives and doctors.
Our Executive Director, Mindy Griffith, recently had the opportunity to talk with Mama Bear Donita and share the Bag It story and the importance of self-advocacy and keeping track of your information.
Check in to see how you and those you love are doing to reduce the risk of cancer or a recurrence. Here are some tips and resources to get you started.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain your ideal weight
Physical activity
Walk, jog, dance, bike, swim – or whatever you like to do
Get up and move every hour
Diet
Eat lots of fresh vegetable and fruits of every color, whole grains, beans
Avoid sugar, processed meats, junk foods
Limit/eliminate alcohol intake
Do not smoke or use tobacco products
Avoid risky behaviors
Healthcare
Have regular check-ups with your primary care physician
Maintain good overall health to avoid viruses and chronic infections that increase your cancer risk
Get cancer screenings and cancer vaccines recommended by your doctor
Harmful Exposures
Protect your skin from the UV rays from the sun. Use sunscreen and don’t use tanning booths
Steer clear of secondhand smoke and other environmental carcinogens
Did you receive a Bag It bag? Want some tips on how to make it work for best for you? Want to know more about what’s in the bag? Check out this video and find out how to Make the Most of your Bag It bag, whether you are the patient, a care partner or just an interested friend.
Have a conversation with your health care team about your treatment plan and the expected cost. Talk to your doctor about how cancer treatment could affect your ability to work.
Understand your health insurance coverage. It is vital that you pay your health insurance premiums on time and in full. If you don’t have health insurance, immediately find out if you can obtain a policy or if you qualify for Medicaid.
Meet early with your oncology social worker, navigator or advocate, and be candid about any financial difficulties and other needs you have. They are there to help you manage your cancer care costs.
Be informed about your legal rights and all benefits available to you through your employer: disability insurance, accommodations in your job duties, hours/leave time. Your spouse should do the same with their employer.
Prepare a budget. Organize and keep track of your bills. Verify insurance benefits are correctly applied. (Ask a trusted family member or friend to help you with this.) Appeal insurance claim denials. (Ask a member of your health care team to help with this.)
If you are experiencing financial hardship, explain your situation to creditors and medical providers and ask for their help. You may be able to negotiate a discount or more time to pay your bills.
Tap into the expertise of nonprofits in the cancer community. They can help you navigate resources and find assistance with costs related to treatment, co-payments, prescription drugs, basic needs, transportation, childcare as well as insurance matters and other support services. They can often help you apply. Several organization offer free services from their navigators and social workers: CancerCare, Livestrong, PAN, CSC, CancerCare pub
Look into federal and other programs in your state that can help cover expenses and replace income if you can’t work during and after treatment. Apply quickly if you are eligible for benefits.
Consider other of income: retirement accounts, available credit, personal loan, cashing in life insurance policy, sale of real estate or personal property.
The financial burden of cancer can impact your physical and mental well-being. Asking for help can be hard but allowing others to lend a hand alleviates stress for you and your loved ones and lets your focus on your recovery.
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