Breaking the Silence: The Power of Knowing Your Family’s Medical History

December 30, 2024

Love, Family, and Genetics: Why Knowing Your Family’s Medical History Could Save Lives

When I fell in love with my husband Russell, I didn’t think about his medical history, and I certainly didn’t think about mine. I was focused on our future—our dreams, our children, and the life we wanted to build together. But looking back, I realize there was a conversation we never had: one about genetics. At the time, it simply didn’t occur to me how much our family medical histories could shape our lives and the lives of our children.

In the Black and Brown community, we often say, “That runs in the family,” but rarely do we explore what that truly means. Understanding our genetic makeup can empower us to prevent illnesses, detect them earlier, or make informed decisions for ourselves and our children. For me, this realization came much later in life, and it has profoundly impacted how I view health, family, and love.

Why Family Medical History Matters

Knowing your family’s medical history isn’t just about curiosity—it’s about survival. Many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, have genetic predispositions. My journey with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) taught me this firsthand. Genetic testing revealed I carry the PMS2 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which significantly increased my risk of developing certain cancers. This discovery didn’t just affect me; it also impacted my daughters, who now carry some of the same genetic risks.

This knowledge, while heavy, has been empowering. It allowed me to take proactive steps for early detection and preventative care. It also reinforced how critical it is to have open conversations about family medical history—not just for our own health but for the health of future generations.

Breaking the Silence in Black and Brown Communities

For generations, discussions about genetics have been dismissed or ignored in our communities. Maybe it’s fear, or maybe it’s the lack of access to resources. Historical mistrust of medical institutions has also played a role, leaving many families vulnerable to preventable or manageable health issues.

But the truth is, knowing our genetic risks is a form of self-care. It’s a way to honor ourselves and our loved ones by taking control of our health. We need to break the cycle of silence and create a culture where talking about medical history is normalized and celebrated as an act of love.

How to Start the Conversation with Your Partner

Bringing up family medical history and genetics with your partner might feel awkward or even intimidating, but it’s a conversation worth having. Here are some ways to approach it with sensitivity and mutual respect:

Start with Curiosity: Frame the discussion as an opportunity to learn more about each other. Ask questions like, “What do you know about your family’s medical history?” or “Has anyone in your family ever faced serious health challenges?”
Share Your Own Discoveries: Be open about your own family’s medical history and any genetic insights you’ve uncovered. Vulnerability can encourage your partner to share as well.
Focus on Your Future Together: Emphasize that this isn’t about blame or fear—it’s about building a healthy future for your family. Say something like, “I want us to be prepared so we can make the best choices for our health and our children.”

If You Have a Genetic Disposition: How to Tell Your Partner

If you’ve learned that you carry a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses, it’s important to approach this conversation with honesty and compassion. Here are some tips for framing the discussion:

Choose the Right Time and Setting: Find a calm, private moment when you and your partner can talk without distractions. This ensures the conversation feels safe and supportive.
Be Honest and Informative: Share what you’ve learned about your genetic risks and how it might affect your health and future decisions. Use clear, non-alarmist language to explain the facts.
Reassure Your Partner: Emphasize that knowing this information is empowering and allows both of you to make informed choices together.
Invite Collaboration: Frame the conversation as a partnership: “I want us to navigate this together and make the best decisions for our health and future.”

What If You Don’t Know Your Family History?

If you’re unsure about your family’s medical history, it’s important to start where you can. Here are some steps to navigate the unknown:

Talk to Extended Family Members: Reach out to aunts, uncles, cousins, or other relatives who may have insights into your family’s medical history. Even fragments of information can provide valuable clues.
Use Tools to Organize Information: Utilize resources like the CDC’s Family Health History Tool (cdc.gov) to track and organize any information you gather.
Consider Genetic Testing: If your family history is incomplete, genetic testing can offer insights into potential risks based on your DNA. Many organizations provide low-cost or free options (see resources below).

For Adopted or Estranged Individuals

For individuals who are adopted or estranged from their families, accessing medical history can be challenging. Here’s how to approach this:

Access Adoption Records (If Possible): Contact the agency or organization that facilitated your adoption to see if medical records are available. Some states have registries that allow biological families to share medical information anonymously.
Leverage Genetic Testing Services: Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer health insights that can serve as a starting point when family history is unavailable.
Seek Support Groups: Organizations like the National Council For Adoption or local adoptee support groups can provide guidance and community resources to navigate this process.
Consult Healthcare Professionals: Genetic counselors can help interpret test results and suggest proactive measures based on your findings.

Local Resources in Columbus, Ohio

For those in the Columbus area, here are some local organizations and facilities that can support you:

OhioHealth Genetic Counseling: Comprehensive genetic counseling and testing services

Website: OhioHealth Genetic Counseling

Phone: (614) 788-4640

Fax: (614) 788-4650

Email: genetics@ohiohealth.com

Address: 500 Thomas Lane, Suite 2D, Columbus, OH 43214

Additional locations in Marion, Delaware, and Mansfield, Ohio

Contact Name: Nichole A. Morman, Licensed Genetic Counselor

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – Division of Human Genetics: Outpatient and inpatient genetic consultation services

Website: OSU Division of Human Genetics

Phone: (614) 293-6694

Fax: (614) 293-2314

Address:2012 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43221

Contact Names: Pam Blythe, Administrative Manager, Clinical Operations Email: Pamela.Blythe@osumc.edu Phone: (614) 366-1221

Kimberly Miller, Business Operations Analyst Email: Kimberly.Miller@osumc.edu Phone: (614) 293-2448

Mount Carmel Health System – Cancer Genetics Program: Education, testing, and support for hereditary cancer risks

Website: Mount Carmel Cancer Genetics

Phone: (614) 234-6848

Address: 477 Cooper Road, Suite 100B, Westerville, OH 43081

Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Genetic and Genomic Medicine: Genetic evaluation and treatment for pediatric and family health concerns

Website: Nationwide Children’s Genetic and Genomic Medicine

Phone: (614) 722-3250

Address: 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205

Columbus Free Clinic: Free or low-cost services, including referrals to genetic counseling resources

Website: Columbus Free Clinic

Phone: (614) 404-8417

Address: 2231 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201

The Consequences of Silence

Avoiding this discussion can have serious consequences. Without awareness of genetic risks, you and your partner may miss critical opportunities for early detection or prevention. It could also lead to misunderstandings or unpreparedness in the face of a health crisis. In the long term, not speaking openly about genetic risks can create a ripple effect, impacting not just your relationship but also future generations.

By choosing to have these conversations, you create a foundation of trust, transparency, and proactive care. It’s an act of love—one that ensures you and your partner are prepared to face any challenges together.

Resources for Navigating Family Medical History and Genetic Testing

National Resources

National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC): nsgc.org
Susan G. Komen Foundation: komen.org
American Cancer Society: cancer.org

Global Resources

GeneTests: genetests.org
Global Alliance for Genomics and Health: ga4gh.org

Free Resources

CDC Family Health History Tool: cdc.gov
CancerCare: cancercare.org

Conclusion

By learning and sharing our family’s medical history, we are not only protecting ourselves but also building a legacy of health and love for future generations. Let’s start the conversation—because knowing is empowering, and together, we can create a healthier future for ourselves, our loved ones, and the generations to come.

Meet the Author

Shanise Pearce

Shanise Pearce is a leader, advocate, and speaker empowering communities through corporate leadership, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and her journey as a Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor, which inspired The Advocates Table – an organization to champion early detection and health equity.