In January 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a free, web-based Family Health History Tool to assist consumers in capturing and sharing vital health information to help predict, diagnose, and manage disease. Because family health history is an important source of information about risk for—and predisposition to—many health conditions, this tool promises to be a valuable resource for consumers and their loved ones.

Moving forward, the NCI expects the FHH tool will be used throughout the NCI national network of academic centers and community cancer centers.

The Family Health History Tool was collaboratively developed by HHS along with the Surgeon General and the American Health Information Community. Key partners include the Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Indian Health Service, Intermountain Healthcare, and Newton Wellesley Hospital, a Member of the Partners Healthcare System.

Family Health History Tool Resources:
Patients can access the portal at https://familyhistory.hhs.gov
Questions can be sent to FHH@hhs.gov
A demonstration of the FHH tool be viewed online at http://videocast.nih.gov/PastEvents.asp?c=0&s=41