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1. Myth: It's way too complicated for me to try to gather my familyhealth history. I'm too busy and it would take too much time.
Fact: Family history information can be collected over time. Begin bywriting down your own health history and then that of your closest relatives(your parents, brothers, sisters and children), working out to your moredistant relatives. As you identify missing information, make a list of whatyou need and have other family members assist you. A family health history isa living document. It is never done, but rather will continue to grow overtime. The most important step is just getting started. Simple tools to assistwith this process are listed below.
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2. Myth: I'm adopted and have no information about my biological family.Therefore, recording a family health history does not apply to me.
Fact: This is a common concern for people who were adopted and is onereason why people seek a consultation with a geneticist or genetic counselor.The longer ago you were adopted, the less likely it is that you will be ableto retrieve much health history information on your biological family. But,as you have your own family, it is important that you document your personalhealth history to leave behind for them. In 2-3 generations the fact that youwere adopted will have little to no impact on the quality of the family healthinformation available to your descendents. Also, if you are thinking aboutbecoming an adoptive parent, you should try to collect whatever family medicalhistory is allowed in your state.
3. Myth: With all the DNA tests now available, wouldn't it just be betterto take a DNA test and find out what diseases I'm "going to get?"
Fact: DNA tests are most often ordered and best interpreted in the contextof family health history and with the support and guidance of a healthcareprofessional. Pairing DNA testing with family history can save health caredollars and better direct services. Even in our "high tech" world, familyhistory remains the most sensitive genetic test known.
4. Myth: If I do not "favor" the side of my family that has the healthproblems "running in" it, I do not need to worry about collecting andrecording my family history.
Fact: All people inherit 50% of their genes from each parent. Justbecause you look or act much more like one side of your family, it does notlessen your chances of inheriting genes for preventable health problems fromyour other parent.
Why is family health history so important? Advances in genetics researchmean that knowing your family's medical history can help your healthcareprovider to predict conditions for which you and your blood relatives may beat risk and to help you to take actions to minimize risks and protect yourhealth.
Tools and Resources:
Visit the Newsroom at www.acmg.net for links to additional resources or tofind a genetics health professional in your area.
About the American College of Medical Genetics
Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics (www.acmg.net)is a non-profit professional association that advances the practice of medicalgenetics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1400genetics professionals. ACMG members are committed to turning geneticdiscoveries into better health for all.Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), clickappropriate link.Judith L. Benkendorf, MS, CGChttp://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=44928Michael S. Watson, Ph.D., FACMGhttp://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=49239
SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics
