Myriad Genetics Blog Blog > The Importance of Family Health History The Importance of Family Health History November 13, 2024 Patient Blog Patients Urology Geoff McLennan, Prostate Cancer Patient and Advocate Welcome back to my blog! In this final post of 2024, we’ll explore the importance of Family Health History Month and how men can take the lead in gathering and sharing their families’ health information. Regardless of the size of your family, everyone should contribute to building a comprehensive health history to understand risks or mutations that may be passed through the family. When I was growing up in Oakland, California, family gatherings were large, with as many as 30 people, including extended relatives. We kids sat at a separate table, eager to finish eating and get back to playing. Over time, we grew up, moved away, and gradually lost touch with some relatives. Funerals became more common as we said goodbye not just to our elders but sometimes to cousins too, because of tragic health issues. Family illnesses were often shrouded in secrecy. As kids, we saw sick relatives but didn’t always know what caused their passing. Now, as adults in family leadership roles involving health care, knowing the answers to these health questions is more important than ever. Family leaders, especially parents, often have more insight into the family’s health history. With the rise of digital health records and more open discussions about why relatives passed away, you’d think family health conversations would be common, but “boundaries” still exist. In my family, for instance, my mom was the one to share news about relatives with chronic or terminal illnesses. My dad, however, rarely spoke about health, even when it involved his siblings. Mental illness, especially, was a topic surrounded by stigma. Cancer, the “C word,” was only mentioned in whispers, striking fear in our hearts. It’s time to break through these shadows and bring family health history into the light—starting with the men in the family. Prior Generations Likely Influenced Older Men’s Privacy about Health Information Knowing your family’s health history is key to wellness and longevity. However, men vary in how openly they share health information within the immediate and extended family tree, including grandparents, often depending on their age and generation. Take Baby Boomers, for example—men born after World War II until 1965. Many of them grew up in family cultures where health issues were rarely discussed. Their grandparents, the “Greatest Generation” born between 1901 and 1927, lived through the Depression and valued hard work, conformity, and privacy. Their parents, the “Silent Generation” born between the Depression and World War II, also tended to respect privacy. As a result, Baby Boomers inherited these norms around confidentiality that likely include health information. This generation, now entering their 70s, faces age-related health concerns like cancers, heart disease and prostate problems. How can we encourage these Boomer-men to open up about their health and contribute to the family’s collective health history? Potential Barriers to Men Sharing Health Information Growing up in the 1960s, I found it difficult to understand the illnesses that plagued my relatives. My mother shared what she thought we needed to know, but perhaps not wanting to scare us, she left much unsaid. One of my siblings had severe mental health issues and had to be institutionalized, which created in me a deep fear of mental illness and a sense of loss. Other relatives suffered from physical diseases, and some even died young. For many men in my “Boomer” generation, health information—especially about genetic risks, lifestyle choices, and the importance of regular check-ups—was scarce. It was typically the mother who passed along a little health information, if any at all. Research suggests that younger generations, like Generation X and Millennials, are more open to sharing health information within families. I hadn’t even heard of Family Health History Month until recently, which highlights the need for greater awareness among men about the importance of discussing health within the family. Recent research from the Cleveland Clinic highlights differences in how men seek and share health information. While older generations have been more reluctant, younger men are more likely to discuss their health status with family. The rise of technology, social media, and changing social norms—like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—have helped break down some of these barriers. Churches and the media are also playing a role in encouraging men to think about long-term health. Genetic testing services like those offered by Myriad Genetics help men, particularly those with a family history of cancer, understand how their genetic risks can affect their family tree. Genetic testing unlocks hereditary information Genetic tests use next-generation sequencing technology to analyze small samples of blood or saliva to check for actionable mutations that may exist in every cell of your body – not just your cancer cells. Powerful genetic tests, like MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer testing, offer peace of mind by providing information to help your physician customize your cancer care. These genetic tests are the same type of tests that women with breast cancer and men and women with colon cancer routinely get to help customize their treatment plans. Encouraging Men to Share Health Information To promote more open discussions about family health, it’s important to consider various factors such as: Cultural Differences: Men’s willingness to discuss health can be shaped by cultural factors such as religion, race, and family dynamics. For instance, some religious teachings reinforce traditional gender roles, where men are seen as providers and women as caretakers. This may discourage men from discussing personal health issues. African American men, for example, face unique challenges, as past economic injustices and current community influences may impact how they engage with healthcare. Additionally, men from Asian backgrounds may incorporate traditional medicine practices, which could affect their openness to discussing Western medical diagnoses. Economic Factors: Financial hardships can limit access to healthcare. Men whose families are economically disadvantaged may not have access to routine health services, making it harder for them to prioritize or share their health history. These men, like all men, deserve better education and resources for understanding their family’s health. Machismo: A lingering sense of invincibility often keeps men from seeking medical care. This attitude—often reinforced by sports or “tough guy” culture—can delay men from seeking the healthcare they need. Recently an older male friend told me, “Geoff, many men our age believed we were invincible until our illness manifested in worn out knees and shoulders. Now we accept that we need to seek help, but only after we realize that aging comes with added responsibility to nurture the body”. When I asked my gym coach why men don’t communicate about health, he replied that many men fear what symptoms may mean and would rather not know. Men must come to understand that protecting their health is part of being responsible, not a sign of weakness, and to pass this message along to their children. Family Dynamics and Education: Younger generations may benefit from evolving cultural norms where traditional male dominance is less prominent. Still, for health history discussions to be effective, elder men must take the lead in learning and sharing family health information. Geneticists can be a valuable resource in helping families understand their health history, and companies like Myriad Genetics offer share ideas for creating and maintaining a comprehensive family health history. Be sure not to forget your doctor in gathering health information. Often our doctors are great resources for advising the entire family/germline about how to share health history for everyone’s benefit. If your family already has genetic test results, be sure to share them with all family members–not just men, but women too. Genetic tests, like MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer testing, offer insights that can benefit everyone in the family tree. One person’s experience with cancer can help others take preventative measures for their health. The Role of Lifestyle in Men’s Health A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is critical for men’s’ health as they age. Men should tailor their routines to their age and any specific health conditions they face. Before starting a new exercise regimen, consult your doctor, especially if you have any preexisting conditions. Between workouts, gyms are good places to encourage trust and motivation about seeing a doctor when something is not right with the body, especially if the workout is limited by pain, I often see and meet families at my gym, so the gym is a great demonstration that a family that plays together can continue the good vibes at the gym by communicating with their relatives. Mental health should also be part of this conversation—stress, anxiety, and substance abuse are important to address with a healthcare provider. Similarly, be mindful of your diet, as older men don’t need as many calories as younger men. As some say: “you are what you eat”. Finally, personal contact—whether through in-person conversations or phone calls—can be the most effective way to share sensitive health information with family members. While online communication is convenient, it’s not always the most secure or effective way to discuss personal health details. In the end, open, honest, and compassionate conversations can help families overcome misunderstandings and begin building a more complete picture of their health. Thank you for reading my blog post. Please seek out your family health history during this month. As rich are the colors of Autumn, so are the riches of knowing family health history to benefit past and future generations. Let us also be thankful for our medical clinicians, researchers and geneticists for working hard for our wellness during the past year. Happy Thanksgiving! Read more like this: Enhancing Targeted Treatment for Metastatic Prostate Cancer (MxPC) Through Genetic Insights Geoff McLennan, MPA, Prostate Cancer Patient and Advocate Author Bio: Geoff is dedicated to helping families and friends support a prostate cancer patient. He joined the board of Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI) in 2018 and is an 11-year PCa patient. As a PCa patient advocate, he envisions providing a broad understanding of how patients can collaborate with clinicians for realistic medical care. He enjoys meeting and learning from his clinicians, cancer researchers, providing free online programs for patients, and reminds us that “to live, learn and thrive with PCa” is the motto of ASPI. He is glad he took science courses for understanding a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and diet. Geoff also volunteers as a board member and past chairman of the Placer County Mental Health Advisory Board where his interest includes therapy and resources for AS men, and a broad oversight of community mental health programs and innovations. He is married to Constance McLennan, a fine artist, has a grown son, and lives in Northern California. *Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views or opinions of Myriad Genetics or its affiliates. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider. Geoff is a paid content writer for Myriad Genetics, Inc.