Medical Genogram
Map your family's health history to identify genetic risks, inform preventive care, and empower better health decisions for you and future generations.
Why Medical Genograms Matter
Your family health history is one of the strongest predictors of your own health risks. A medical genogram visualizes this history, making patterns visible that might otherwise go unnoticed—like heart disease striking men in their 50s, or breast cancer appearing in multiple generations.
Healthcare providers use medical genograms for genetic counseling, cancer risk assessment, cardiac screening decisions, and preventive care planning. For individuals, it's a powerful tool for understanding your health legacy and taking proactive steps.
Identify Genetic Risks
See hereditary patterns that may affect your health
Inform Prevention
Guide screening schedules and preventive measures
Help Family Members
Share health information with relatives who share your genes
What to Include in a Medical Genogram
For Each Family Member
- Current age or age at death
- Cause of death (if applicable)
- Major health conditions
- Age when condition was diagnosed
- Surgeries or major treatments
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity)
Conditions to Track
- Heart disease and stroke
- Cancer (type, location, age)
- Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Mental health conditions
- Autoimmune disorders
- Alzheimer's/dementia
- Birth defects
- Genetic syndromes
Medical Genogram Color Coding
Medical genograms use color coding to quickly identify conditions at a glance. Here's a common system used in clinical practice:
Red
Heart disease, hypertension, stroke
Pink
Breast cancer, reproductive cancers
Blue
Diabetes, metabolic conditions
Purple
Mental health, neurological
Green
Colon/GI cancers
Yellow
Lung conditions, respiratory
Orange
Substance abuse, addiction
Gray
Cause of death unknown
Pro Tip
Use quarter-filled symbols for conditions present but not severe, half-filled for significant conditions, and fully filled for conditions that caused death or major disability. This shows severity at a glance.
Red Flags in Medical Genograms
These patterns suggest higher genetic risk and warrant discussion with a healthcare provider:
Same condition in multiple generations
Example: Grandmother, mother, and aunt all had breast cancer
Earlier-than-typical onset
Example: Heart attack before age 55 (men) or 65 (women)
Multiple family members with same cancer
Example: Two or more first-degree relatives with colon cancer
Rare cancers
Example: Male breast cancer, ovarian cancer at young age
Bilateral or multiple primary cancers
Example: Cancer in both breasts, or multiple different cancers
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast/ovarian cancer
Example: Higher rate of BRCA mutations in this population
How to Use Your Medical Genogram
Share with Your Doctor
Bring your medical genogram to annual physicals and specialist appointments. It provides immediate context for your health risks and helps providers make informed recommendations about screening and prevention.
Consider Genetic Counseling
If your genogram shows concerning patterns (especially with cancer or early-onset heart disease), ask about genetic counseling. A counselor can assess whether genetic testing might be appropriate.
Adjust Screening Schedules
Family history often changes recommended screening ages. For example, if a parent had colon cancer at 50, you should typically start screening at 40 (10 years before their diagnosis age).
Share with Family
Your siblings, children, and other relatives share your genetic background. Sharing your medical genogram (or encouraging relatives to contribute to it) helps everyone understand their risks.
Update Regularly
Family health histories change. Update your genogram when family members receive new diagnoses, and review it before major medical appointments.
Privacy Considerations
Medical genograms contain sensitive health information. Consider these factors:
- Get permission before adding other family members' health information
- Store digital genograms securely (GenogramAI uses AES-256 encryption)
- Be aware that genetic information may have insurance implications
- Discuss sharing preferences with family members before distributing
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions should I include in a medical genogram?
Include conditions with genetic components: heart disease, cancer (especially breast, colon, ovarian), diabetes, mental health conditions, substance abuse, autoimmune disorders, birth defects, and any condition that appears in multiple family members. Also note causes of death and age at diagnosis.
How many generations should a medical genogram include?
Ideally three generations (you, parents, grandparents), but four generations is better for identifying patterns. Include aunts, uncles, and cousins as well, since they share genetic information. The more complete the picture, the better the risk assessment.
Can a medical genogram predict if I will get a disease?
A medical genogram shows risk patterns, not predictions. Having family members with a condition increases your statistical risk but doesn't guarantee you'll develop it. The genogram helps healthcare providers recommend appropriate screening and preventive measures.
Should I bring a medical genogram to doctor appointments?
Yes! A medical genogram is one of the most valuable tools you can bring. It gives providers instant insight into your genetic risk factors and helps them make informed recommendations about screening, testing, and prevention strategies.
What if I don't know my family medical history?
Document what you know and note what's unknown. Even partial information is valuable. For adoptees or those with limited family contact, genetic testing can provide some insights. Unknown family history itself is important medical information.
Create Your Medical Genogram Today
Use GenogramAI to map your family health history. Our medical view mode makes it easy to track conditions across generations.
Start Your Medical Genogram