Knowing your family’s health history — and making sure your primary care physician knows it too — can make a real difference in catching serious conditions early. KFF Health News recently shared the story of a 33-year-old woman who discovered only after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer that her grandfather had the same disease.
This is why having a strong relationship with your primary care physician matters. A doctor who knows your full history can ask the right questions, recommend earlier screening when needed, and help you navigate changing guidelines.
Other reminders:
- Report any unusual or persistent symptoms to your doctor promptly.
- If you’re younger than the recommended age for routine cancer screenings, talk with your doctor about whether earlier testing may be appropriate.