Many Families Avoid Discussing Health History, Global Study Finds

A new global study by health insurer Bupa has found that one in seven people have never discussed their family’s health history with relatives, raising concerns among experts about missed opportunities for disease prevention and early detection. The survey of 8,000 adults and 169 healthcare professionals across countries including the UK, Australia, and Spain highlights a widespread reluctance to talk openly about health, with 30% of respondents saying the topic had never crossed their minds and 20% reporting that their families avoid such discussions.

“Even though it’s one in seven people, that person is connected to a family who hasn’t had those conversations. So in some ways, it’s kind of like one in seven families,” said Sherry Pagoto, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut, who was involved in the study.

Family talking | Source: Pexels

Nearly four in five (79%) healthcare professionals surveyed agreed that “more lives could be saved if patients had better knowledge of their family health history.” Pagoto noted that understanding genetic health risks helps doctors make informed decisions about screenings and preventive care. However, many people avoid the subject because they feel uncomfortable or unsure how to begin.

Pagoto offered several strategies for starting these conversations, including asking relatives how they are feeling, introducing the topic gently, and documenting information “almost like you’re constructing this family tree, but of health conditions.” She emphasized the importance of sharing findings with healthcare providers and relatives, adding, “Your genes are not your fate. They’re one part of an equation. Your lifestyle and your health care is a big part of that equation.”