Scientists have claimed that they have identified nine simple questions that can be used to identify people who may be at increased risk of various cancers, heart disease and diabetes because of their family history.
According to the researchers, theses questions can be used to provide insight into people's susceptibility to breast, ovarian, bowel and prostate cancer, melanoma, ischaemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Lead researcher Jon Emery said that this research is the first of its kind to validate the family history screening questionnaire as a tool to cover multiple conditions and can be used as a screening tool in general practice to identify people who need a more detailed discussion about their family history of cancer, diabetes or heart disease.
Evidence suggests that having knowledge of a family history of a specific condition is associated with improved uptake of a range of disease-preventative activities, such as cancer screening and reduced sun exposure.