All articles tagged with #family history
More cancers are rising in adults under 50, notably colorectal and breast cancer; a survivor’s story shows how family history and early symptom reporting can save lives, while doctors tailor earlier screenings and caution against relying on at‑home tests; screening ages are evolving—mammograms to 40, colonoscopy to 45 for average risk—making ongoing clinician guidance essential.
KOMO News anchor Kelly Koopmans shares her experience getting her first screening mammogram at Seattle’s Swedish Breast Imaging Center after turning 40, highlighting that about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and that mammograms can detect cancer up to two years before symptoms. The 10-minute exam involves four images and may require follow-up; most recalls are not cancer. Her results were negative, and doctors emphasize annual screening for average-risk individuals to catch issues early, underscoring the importance of being proactive about health.
An oncologist notes that while the guideline is to start colorectal cancer screening at 45, those with risk factors—such as a family history, personal inflammatory bowel disease, hereditary syndromes, or concerning symptoms—should discuss earlier colonoscopy with a clinician, since early detection can improve outcomes.
Former Disney Channel star Christy Carlson Romano posted an emotional video revealing a positive self-screening result for cancer, citing a family history of the disease. She’s headed for a PET scan and urged others to get screened, saying she’s nervous but hopeful for a treatable outcome for her two daughters.
Medanta Hospital oncologist Dr. Ashok Vaid explains that women with a family history of breast cancer, especially those over 40-50, are at higher risk, and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and regular screenings for early detection.
Regular low-dose aspirin may help reduce the risk of colon cancer, especially in those with a family history, but should be taken under medical supervision due to potential risks.
La'Dale Robinson, a 44-year-old prostate cancer survivor, emphasizes the importance of regular checkups for men, especially those with a family history, to catch the disease early. His successful treatment highlights the need for awareness during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, as prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among men.
A family lived full-time in the J.V. Bailey House on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds from 1973 to 1994, creating lifelong memories and contributing to the fair's horticultural history, before the house was converted into office space for the State Fair Foundation.
A large Danish study found that most mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, occur in individuals without a family history of the condition, highlighting the complex interplay of genetics and environment and emphasizing the need for broad prevention strategies.
A woman struggles with her mother's insistence on sharing her difficult family history of her late sister, Paloma, with her young children. She feels uncomfortable sharing negative memories and prefers to wait until her kids are teenagers. The advice suggests honest communication with her mother, possibly involving family therapy, and emphasizes that she is not obligated to honor her sister in a way that causes her distress.
Researchers analyzing Ludwig van Beethoven's hair have discovered he likely suffered from a chronic Hepatitis B infection, which, along with alcohol use, contributed to his liver disease. The study, published in Current Biology, also debunked the theory of lead poisoning as a cause of his death, as a previously analyzed hair sample was misattributed. Additionally, a genetic mismatch in Beethoven's Y chromosome compared to living relatives suggests an extramarital event in his paternal line. The analysis did not find genetic causes for his hearing loss or gastrointestinal issues, indicating environmental factors may have played a role.
Chris Prewitt, a 48-year-old fitness enthusiast from Ohio, experienced a widow maker heart attack despite being in good health and having no significant symptoms other than fatigue. His wife’s quick decision to take him to a nearby hospital saved his life. Prewitt's story highlights the importance of knowing one's family medical history and recognizing subtle symptoms of heart issues. He now advocates for proactive health measures and regular medical check-ups.
Lenny Kravitz has shifted from his rockstar lifestyle to focus on spiritual growth and celibacy, influenced by his father's infidelity and its impact on his own relationships.
Researchers suggest that Type 2 diabetes may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, potentially due to a combination of family history and elevated blood sugar levels starting at a young age. Dr. Elizabeth Bower from Mercy Medical Center notes that nearly half of Americans over 65 have elevated blood sugars, which may affect brain metabolism. Pre-diabetes is also being observed in children, and women are typically screened for diabetes during their first pregnancy.
A new study found that close relatives of individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are nine times more likely to develop TRD themselves, as well as other psychiatric conditions and a higher risk of suicide. The study, based on data from the entire population of Taiwan, suggests a genetic transmission of TRD across families and an association with other major psychiatric disorders. Early awareness of TRD running in families can help with early treatment options, including considering alternative treatments such as lithium, atypical antipsychotics, ketamine, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.