PROVIDENCE, RI (Brown Surgical Associates) — The holidays are a time of togetherness, filled with joy, laughter, and connection. It’s also a rare opportunity when families gather in one place, making it the perfect moment to have meaningful conversations about your health – specifically your family history of cancer.
At Brown Surgical Associates, we want to encourage families to take advantage of these moments to talk openly about their health history. Discussing diseases like pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer can make a life-saving difference for you and future generations.
Why Family History Matters
Certain cancers, such as pancreatic, breast, and colorectal cancer, can have a hereditary component. Knowing whether these conditions run in your family helps you and your healthcare provider assess your risk and determine which screenings may be appropriate.
- Breast Cancer: A strong family history, especially of breast cancer diagnosed at a young age, can signal an increased risk for other family members. Genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can play a key role in hereditary breast cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer: A family history of colorectal cancer, especially before age 50, could point to hereditary conditions like Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
- Pancreatic Cancer: Although pancreatic cancer is less common, it can run in families, particularly when linked to certain genetic syndromes.
Although these cancers are often referred to as inherited cancers, the American Cancer Society says what’s actually inherited is the abnormal gene that can lead to cancer, not the cancer itself. That’s why cancer in a close relative, like a parent or sibling, is more likely to be a cause for concern than cancer in a more distant relative. The organization said it’s also more concerning if many relatives have the same type of cancer than it is if relatives have several different kinds of cancer.
Understanding your family history can empower you to take action through early screenings, lifestyle changes, or genetic testing. Early detection saves lives.
How to Start the Conversation
Talking about cancer can feel intimidating, especially during a festive time. However, sharing information about health history is a gift of love and protection for the future.
Here are a few tips to make the conversation easier:
- Be Open and Honest: Let your family know why this is important.
- Example: “I want to make sure we’re all staying as healthy as possible. Do we know of any family history of cancer, like breast, colon, or pancreatic cancer?”
- Ask Specific Questions:
- Has anyone in our family had cancer? At what age were they diagnosed?
- Do we know if genetic testing has been done in the past?
- Keep Notes: Document what you learn and share it with your healthcare provider.
- Tools like family health history charts or apps can help you track this information.
- Normalize the Conversation: Frame it as a proactive and positive step toward health for everyone.
Early Screening Makes a Difference
When cancer is detected early, treatment is often more effective, and outcomes are better. Here’s how proactive screening can help:
- Breast Cancer: Mammograms can detect breast cancer at early stages. For those at higher risk, additional imaging or genetic testing may be recommended.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopies not only detect cancer but can also prevent it by removing precancerous polyps.
- Pancreatic Cancer: While there is no routine screening for everyone, those with a strong family history may benefit from specialized screening or genetic counseling. Those with certain breast cancer genes are also at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
Give the Gift of Health This Holiday Season
This holiday season, in between the laughter, stories, and cherished traditions, consider starting a conversation about your family’s health. It might feel difficult at first, but these discussions are crucial for prevention, early detection, and better outcomes.
Knowing your family’s health history could save lives – allowing you to continue celebrating the holidays together for years to come.
For more information about cancer screenings, prevention, and surgical care, feel free to contact us. www.brownsurgicalassociates.org.
Make this holiday count. Give the gift of knowledge, health, and time.
