Which information is crucial for initiating cancer risk assessment?

Family medical history is crucial for initiating cancer risk assessment because it provides insight into hereditary factors that could contribute to a patient's likelihood of developing cancer. Many cancers have genetic components, and understanding a patient's family history helps healthcare providers assess risks associated with inherited mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Additionally, a comprehensive family history can reveal patterns of cancer that may indicate a predisposition warranting further testing or preventive measures.

The other options, while important in the overall assessment of a patient's health, do not directly address the risk of developing cancer in the same way. Current health conditions might inform the patient's overall health status and how they may interact with treatment but are not primarily used to assess cancer risk. Recent lab tests provide valuable information, particularly about existing conditions but are not useful for evaluating hereditary risk factors. The patient's age can impact the likelihood of certain cancers, but without the context of family history, it does not offer a comprehensive view of risk. Thus, family medical history is key in understanding a patient's cancer risk profile.