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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.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.