Final answer:
True, a pattern of familial illness suggests a higher risk for that disease, and seeking genetic counseling is recommended to assess risks and understand inherited genetic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pattern of illness in your family tree does suggest that there is a higher probability you will be affected by that disease, and seeking genetic counseling is advisable.
This is because many human diseases are genetically inherited. For instance, a healthy individual may want to know if they carry a gene for a recessive genetic disorder, especially if there is a family history of the condition.
Genetic counseling can help assess risks, interpret test results, and guide decision-making about family planning and healthcare.
For example, if there is a high incidence of cancer in a family, it may be due to inherited mutations. A genetic counselor can then test individuals to determine their risk and provide information on prevention or early detection strategies.