"Family gatherings are the perfect time to ask each other detailed questions about health history," Dr. Karen Lu -- co-medical director of the Clinical Cancer Genetics program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center -- said in a statement. "It is important to gather information about the health history of your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and even your cousins."

Hospital records can help gather and confirm family health information. They can be released directly to the patient, or if a person has died, to whomever is entitled to his or her property.

Less than 10 percent of cancers are inherited -- among them some breast, ovarian, colorectal and endometrial cancers. About one-third of cancers are related to diet and exercise, Lu said.

The risks of developing many cancers associated with family history can be lowered by making healthy lifestyle choices such as not smoking, wearing sunscreen, eating nutritiously and exercising.