10 health questions you should ask your mum

Good health (as well as bad) can run in families – which is why you need to find out more about your mother’s health, says Tracey Lattimore. Here are the top 10 important questions to ask your mum

1 When did you go through the menopause?
While the age you started your periods doesn’t affect the age that you’re likely to go through the menopause, your mother’s menstrual pattern may do. The tendency towards premature ovarian failure (POF) – which affects around one per cent of women under the age of 40 – can be inherited; a study conducted by the University of Auckland found that POF is strongly linked to a genetic mutation.
Your survival guide There’s nothing that you can do to prevent an early menopause, but if you know that your mum stopped her periods early, you can try to plan ahead. Trying for children sooner rather than later is wise.

2 Have you ever had your breasts screened?
Although it’s rare, you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer if your mum has previously suffered from it. If your mum hasn’t been for breast screening and she’s over 50, encourage her to do so. ‘We know that early detection of the disease can mean more effective treatment and the possibility of a better outcome,’ says Jackie Harris, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care.
Fewer than 10 per cent of cases are inherited, but you still have a greater chance of developing breast cancer if one of your relatives developed it before the age of 40, a close relative had it in both breasts, or two close relatives on the same side of the family had either breast or ovarian cancer.
Your survival guide ‘Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts,’ says Harris. ‘You should be checking for lumps, changes in size and shape of your breasts, and swelling, rashes or discharge.’

3 Do you have problems with your blood sugar levels?
There’s a definite link between developing type 2 diabetes and your parents suffering from the disease. Studies show that if a parent developed type 2 diabetes before the age of 50, your risk is one in seven. It’s also believed that the risk is greater if it’s your mother who has the disease. Environmental factors also play a part – if you are obese and do little exercise, you’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Your survival guide Aim to do 30 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week and eat a healthy, balanced diet. ‘Ensure that you’re a healthy weight,’ adds registered nutritionist Anita Bean, author of Slim Secrets (Virgin Books, £10.99). ‘Include a high carb food at each meal, but opt for low GI wherever possible, such as wholegrain pasta, sweet potatoes and basmati rice.’ Recent studies have also linked type 2 diabetes with a lack of sleep, so make sure that you get at least eight hours’ sleep per night.

4 Have you ever suffered from depression?
f a member of your close family suffers from depression, it doesn’t mean that you will, too. However, studies have found that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder do have genetic links. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that siblings or children of those diagnosed with chronic major depression before the age of 31 had more than a two to one chance of developing the disorder.
Your survival guide ‘Just because you’re predisposed to developing depression, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get it,’ says Gladeana McMahon, co-director for the Centre for Stress Management. ‘However, you need to think about your lifestyle – long-term exposure to stress hormones can trigger depression. ‘Research suggests that people who use their support networks are less likely to become depressed, so family and friends are important.’

5 Does anyone in the family have menstrual problems?
If a close relative suffers from endometriosis, the chances of you developing the condition are greatly increased. This occurs when the tissue normally found in the lining of the womb develops instead in the abdominal cavity, causing pain, bleeding, inflammation and difficulty conceiving. Having a sister with the condition increases your risk fivefold, according to research published in the journal of Human Reproduction.
Your survival guide If endometriosis runs in your family, go to your GP to get checked out. Studies show that women who exercise two to four hours per week have less chance of developing the condition.

6 Was your pregnancy straightforward?
Some pregnancy health conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, can be hereditary. This potentially fatal condition, characterised by high blood pressure, sudden swelling and intense headaches, is passed on by both men and women.
Scientists at the University of Bergen, Norway, found women whose mothers had pre-eclampsia had over double the usual risk of developing the condition themselves. Around five to eight per cent of pregnancies are affected worldwide, causing 15 per cent of premature births.
Your survival guide Attend regular antenatal appointments with your midwife to keep an eye out for symptoms. Daily calcium supplements are thought to reduce the likelihood of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women, but never take any supplements without checking with your GP or midwife first.

7 What’s your cholesterol level?
High cholesterol runs in families, and too much can increase your risk of heart problems. The Department of Health recommends that your total cholesterol level should be less than 5.0mmol/l. However, other experts suggest that those at risk of coronary disease should aim for a level of less than 4.0mmol/l.
Your survival guide If your cholesterol is high, then your GP will probably suggest frequent tests. ‘Taking enough exercise, eating a healthy diet and not smoking will help to lower your cholesterol levels,’ advises Bean.

8 Have you had any problems with your bowel movements?
Bleeding, changes in bowel movements lasting more than four weeks, extreme tiredness and pain or a lump in your abdomen can be symptoms of bowel cancer – 10 per cent of cases are hereditary. If either of your parents or a sibling was diagnosed with bowel cancer under the age of 45, talk to your GP, as you may be eligible for genetic screening, according to Deborah Alsina, director of services at Bowel Cancer UK (www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk).
Your survival guide Reduce your risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet high in fibre, says Alsina. ‘Include five portions of fruit and vegetables every day and limit your consumption of red meat to 80g per day,’ she adds. ‘Lastly, be symptom-aware, as bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught early.’

9 How good is your eyesight?
It’s likely that one of your parents wears glasses, but some eye conditions, like glaucoma, need to be taken very seriously. Chronic glaucoma, where the optic nerve is damaged either by pressure in the eye or by weakness in the optic nerve, can cause permanent sight damage if left untreated.
Your surivial guide ‘Regular eye examinations are important if you have a family history of the condition and you’re over 40,’ says Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric advisor at the College of Optometrists. ‘Know what’s normal for you – place one hand over each eye to check for any sight deterioration. Eating well can help – foods rich in beta-carotene and lutein are thought to be good for vision.’

10 Have you broken any bones?
This doesn’t necessarily mean your bones are fragile, but women are at a greater risk than men of developing osteoporosis. As 80 per cent of your bone make-up is hereditary, if your mum has ever broken her hip, you should take preventative measures.
Your survival guide According to Sarah Leyland, senior nurse at the National Osteoporosis Society, the key is eating a balanced diet rich in calcium. ‘Allow sensible exposure to sunlight, as this produces vitamin D, necessary for calcium absorption,’ she adds. She also advises avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, as this can raise your risk of fractures.