Family history is not just a formality on clinic forms; it gives doctors clues about your risk for certain conditions. Diseases like heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and autoimmune disorders can run in families due to genetics and shared lifestyles.

When asked, try to mention close relatives – parents, siblings, sometimes grandparents – and the major illnesses they had, along with approximate ages of onset. For example: “My father had a heart attack at 52,” or “My mother has type 2 diabetes diagnosed in her 40s.”

You don’t need perfect details, but rough patterns help. If several relatives developed similar problems at relatively young ages, your doctor may recommend earlier screening or stronger prevention strategies.

Don’t feel embarrassed if you don’t know everything. Share what you can and be honest about gaps. Over time, you can gather more information from family members.

Family history is not destiny, but it’s a useful map. It helps doctors focus on the right risks for you, not an average textbook person.