Family Heirlooms: between genes and affects

• Published in: Saúde e sociedade Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 458 - 464
• Main Authors: Lawall, Fabiana Aparecida Almeida, Trivellato, Isabella Oliveira, Shikasho, Larissa, Tavares Filgueiras, Maria Stella, Cristina da Silva, Nathalia, Rodrigues de Almeida, Tatiana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: 01-04-2012
• Subjects: Breast Cancer; Family; Females; Genetics; Health Education; Health Professions; Intervention; Medicine; Prevention
• ISSN: 0104-1290
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-12902012000200018

It is known that breast cancer is a pathology that affects a considerable number of women and gives rise to many interrogations amongst health professionals. Family history is considered a risk factor and professionals from all health branches point it as a decisive factor in determining multiple aspects related to sickness processes. However, family history is approached in different ways by different professionals, according to the focus that is given. The present article proposes a global view of the family history by taking into account the multiple "heritages" that cross and constitute the subject. From the analysis of instruments as the drawing of human pedigrees and genogram it is observed that, whereas medical knowledge is engaged in a family history that is previously determined by genetic factors, and consequently, very little accessible to preventive interventions, psychological knowledge seeks the particularities of subject's family history and the manners through which the subject inserts himself on the relations that compose his history. Doing so, it is possible to give new significations to family history and to open another way that is not to become ill. It is also provided, from that point, a space of discussion where interdisciplinary knowledges and practices may complement each other in a perspective of integrality in the prevention and the promotion of human health. Adapted from the source document.