The holidays are a great time to share health history with your family.
December 1, 2025
Talking About Family Health During the Holidays
Understanding your family medical history can help you and your healthcare provider identify potential health risks, so you can get the care you need.
When you visit a provider for the first time, they almost always ask, “Can you tell me about your family health history?” It’s an important question. The more you know about your family’s medical history, the more likely you and your provider are to find ways to reduce your odds of developing certain conditions. But where do you start?
Marcus Germany, MD, a primary care provider at MetroHealth, knows it’s not always easy to discuss health topics with your family. He encourages people to bring up the family health conversation when and where they can—and the holidays are a great opportunity.
In this Q&A, Dr. Germany answers questions to help you learn more about your family’s health.
Q: Why Is Family Health History Important?
A: Knowing your family’s health history helps you understand your own health better. Some health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, can run in families. If your doctor knows what health issues your family has had, they can help you get tested earlier and find problems sooner—when they’re easier to treat.
Q: Why Are the Holidays a Good Time to Talk?
A: During the holidays, we’re often with family. It’s a time when people share stories, including ones about loved ones who have passed away. These stories can help you learn about health issues that may affect you too.
In my own family during the holidays, after my uncle passed, I learned that he had prostate cancer. I also learned my dad, two of his brothers and several first cousins had it—all because of a holiday discussion.
Q: How Can I Start the Conversation?
A: If you want your family to be open, honest and vulnerable, you may want to be open, honest and vulnerable yourself, even by starting the conversation. For instance, at the dinner table or during meal prep, you might say, “I went to the doctor recently, and we discussed cholesterol (or weight reduction, cancer screenings, thyroid problems, mental health, etc.).”
That can open the door to help the conversation take shape. Hopefully, it will get someone else in the family to respond, “Your aunt or a cousin had that.”
Most of the time, the conversation just needs to get started. I encourage people to use their experience. Not only will you get the information you need to understand your health history, but you’ll be doing the same for your family members.
Q. What Should I Ask My Family?
A: Try to find out:
- What health problems they’ve had
- How old they were when they found out
- What was happening in their life at the time
- How they found out—was it a test or a symptom?
Even if you don’t get all the details, that’s okay. Just bring what you know to your doctor.
Download a printable list of family health history questions (PDF) to guide you through the conversation.
Q. How Often Should I Check In?
A: Try to talk about family health at least once a year. New health issues can come up, and it’s good to stay updated.
Q. Where Should I Keep This Information?
A: It never hurts to write things down with good old-fashioned pen and paper. Using a notes app or sending yourself a text message can work, too. Then, you can copy and paste it into a MyChart message to your provider. Something very simple, like:
“Hello Dr. Germany, during Thanksgiving dinner, I found out that two of my uncles had prostate cancer and one passed away from it. I’d like to discuss prostate cancer screening.”
Q. Why Should I Share This With My Provider?
A: Healthcare providers use this information to decide what tests you might need. Sometimes, if a health problem runs in your family, insurance may cover tests earlier than usual. This can save you money and help catch problems early.
Colon cancer is a prime example. If first-degree relatives have had colon cancer at an earlier age than the recommended 45, we can often get diagnostic procedures like colonoscopies covered, so there is little cost to you. Genetic counseling also becomes an option.
Q. What If I’m Nervous to Ask?
A: It’s normal to feel unsure. But knowing your risks can help you make smart choices. Even if you decide not to get tested, you’ll be making an informed decision. Talking about health could help you—or someone you love—stay healthy.
Schedule an appointment to talk with your MetroHealth provider about your family history.
Your Questions Answered
What health problems can run in families?
Some health issues can be passed down from parents or grandparents. These are called hereditary diseases. Common ones include:
- Asthma
- Autoimmune conditions (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Genetic conditions like sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis
- Stroke
What is genetic testing?
Genetic testing looks at your DNA to see if you might be more likely to get certain health problems. Learn more about genetic testing and genetic counseling services at the MetroHealth Genetics Clinic.
Why are health screenings important?
Health screenings are tests that help find problems early—sometimes before you feel sick. For example, a screening might find cancer before you have any symptoms. That means your provider can treat it sooner, which often makes it easier to fix.
Getting regular checkups and screenings helps you stay healthy and catch issues before they get worse.
While you’re gathered with your family for the holidays this year, be sure to take the time to ask them about their health history.
Knowing the illnesses your parents, grandparents and other relatives have had can help you and your doctor work together so you can prevent them or get earlier treatment.
Click the link below for a printable list of questions to guide you through asking about your family’s health history.
Is it time to schedule a visit with your primary care provider?
Establishing and maintaining a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is the best way to stay healthy and talk about your family health history. Looking for a new PCP? Call 216-MY METRO or visit our physician directory to find and schedule an appointment with a provider near you.
