Common chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are health problems that affect large proportions of the U.S. population and are among the most common causes of death. A positive family history has long been recognized as a risk factor for many of these conditions. Family history reflects the contributions of shared genes, common behaviors and shared environments.
This Public Health Perspective contains information and resources for public health professionals about the potential for using family history as a tool for improving health and preventing or delaying the onset of common, chronic diseases. |
“Knowing your family history can save your life. The earlier you know which health conditions run in your family, the easier it is to develop prevention plans with your doctor. Start the conversation with your family on National Family History Day- celebrated every Thanksgiving.”
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H
U.S. Surgeon General
View the Surgeon General's Press Conference on Family History
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Using Family History for Public Health |
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CDC's Family History Public Health Initiative |
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Journal Articles |
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Research Priorities for Evaluating Family History in the Prevention of Common Chronic Diseases
Yoon PW, Scheuner MT , Khoury MJ.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):128-35 |
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Family History Assessment: Strategies for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Hunt SC , Gwinn M, Adams TD.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):136-42 |
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Using Decision Analytic Methods to Assess the Utility of Family History Tools
Tyagi A and Morris J.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):199-207 |
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Family History as a Predictor of Asthma Risk
Burke W, et al.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):160-9 |
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Family-Centered Approaches to Understanding and Preventing Coronary Heart Disease
Kardia SL, et al.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):143-51 |
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Family History of Diabetes as a Potential Public Health Tool
Harrison TA, et al.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):152-9 |
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Family History of Colon Cancer: What Does it Mean and How is it Useful?
Keku TO, et al.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):170-6 |
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Achieving Utility with Family History: Colorectal Cancer Risk
Bowen DJ, et al.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):177-82 |
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Effecting Behavior Change: Awareness of Family History
Audrain-McGovern J, et al.
Am J Prev Med 2003 Feb;24(2):183-9 |
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Family History for the General Public website |
CDC offers valuable resources about family history that were created specifically for the general public and are available in both English and Spanish. This website offers the following information: |
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