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family history

having a family history means that a person has one or more blood relatives with a certain health problem. a doctor can look at a person's family history to get some idea of the person's risk for that health problem.

blood relatives include relatives who are alive and those who have died. they may be:

  • first-degree relatives (parents, sisters, brothers, and children).
  • second-degree relatives (aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandparents).
  • third-degree relatives (first cousins).

some family histories are stronger than others. how strong a family history is depends on:

  • how closely related a person is to the relatives with the health problem.
  • how many relatives had or have the health problem.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

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