Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cancer Family History Reporting: Impact of Method and Psychosocial Factors

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Family history is one the greatest risk factors for disease and one of the most important informational tools in medical genetics for the purpose of diagnosis, risk assessment, prevention and treatment. However, research is needed on the comparability of different methods of cancer family history assessment and the influence of psychosocial factors in family history reports. The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals had discrepancies between written and interview reports of cancer family history and the role of psychosocial factors in these discrepancies. Oncology patients (n=104) were administered a survey to assess psychosocial factors (i.e., information-seeking, worry, perceived risk, and health literacy) and were asked to provide family history in a written and an interview form. Randomization determined which form individuals received first. No differences in the amount of missing data or the amount of unspecified data were noted between the written and interview method. Psychosocial factors did not differentiate between those who had discrepancies in family history reports and those who did not have discrepancies in family history reports; although there was a trend for those with lower literacy and those who were blunters to be more discrepant on type of cancer diagnosis. In sum, this preliminary study indicates that written and interview methods of family history assessment for first degree relatives may be used interchangeably. The ability to use written methods will facilitate collection of basic family history information in the oncology clinic.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • Acheson, L. S., Wiesner, G. L., Zyzanski, S. J., Goodwin, M. A., & Stange, K. C. (2000). Family history-taking in community family practice: Implications for genetic screening. Genet Med, 2 (3), 180–185.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Airewele, G., Adatto, P., Cunningham, J., Mastromarino, C., Spencer, C., Sharp, M., et al. (1998). Family history of cancer in patients with glioma: A validation study of accuracy. J Natl Cancer Inst, 90 (7), 543–544.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aitken, J., Bain, C., Ward, M., Siskind, V., & MacLennan, R. (1995). How accurate is self-reported family history of colorectal cancer? Am J Epidemiol, 141 (9), 863–871.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aitken, J. F., Green, A., MacLennan, R., Jackman, L., & Martin, N. G. (1993). Comparability of surrogate and self-reported information on melanoma risk factors. Br J Cancer, 67 (5), 1036–1041.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amir, E., Evans, D. G., Shenton, A., Lalloo, F., Moran, A., Boggis, C., et al. (2003). Evaluation of breast cancer risk assessment packages in the family history evaluation and screening programme. J Med Genet, 40 (11), 807–814.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anton-Culver, H., Kurosaki, T., Taylor, T. H., Gildea, M., Brunner, D., & Bringman, D. (1996). Validation of family history of breast cancer and identification of the brca1 and other syndromes using a population-based cancer registry. Genet Epidemiol, 13 (2), 193–205.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bensen, J. T., Liese, A. D., Rushing, J. T., Province, M., Folsom, A. R., Rich, S. S., et al. (1999). Accuracy of proband reported family history: The NHLBI family heart study (FHS). Genet Epidemiol, 17 (2), 141-150.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berry, D. A., Parmigiani, G., Sanchez, J., Schildkraut, J., & Winer, E. (1997). Probability of carrying a mutation of breast-ovarian cancer gene brca1 based on family history. J Natl Cancer Inst, 89 (3), 227–237.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bondy, M. L., Strom, S. S., Colopy, M. W., Brown, B. W., & Strong, L. C. (1994). Accuracy of family history of cancer obtained through interviews with relatives of patients with childhood sarcoma. J Clin Epidemiol, 47 (1), 89–96.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bratt, O., Kristoffersson, U., Lundgren, R., & Olsson, H. (1999). Familial and hereditary prostate cancer in southern sweden. A population-based case-control study. Eur J Cancer, 35 (2), 272–277.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cacioppo, J. T., Petty, R. E., Feinstein, J. A., & Jarvis, W. B. G. (1996). Dispositional differences in cognitive motivation: The life and times of individuals varying in need for cognition. Psychol Bull, 119 (2), 197–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cacioppo, J. T., Petty, R. E., & Kao, C. F. (1984). The efficient assessment of need for cognition. J Pers Assess, 48 (3), 306–307.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devi, G., Marder, K., Schofield, P. W., Tang, M. X., Stern, Y., & Mayeux, R. (1998). Validity of family history for the diagnosis of dementia among siblings of patients with late-onset alzheimer's disease. Genet Epidemiol, 15, 215–223.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas, F. S., O’Dair, L. C., Robinson, M., Evans, D. G., & Lynch, S. A. (1999). The accuracy of diagnoses as reported in families with cancer: A retrospective study. J Med Genet, 36 (4), 309-312.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eberl, M. M., Sunga, A. Y., Farrell, C. D., & Mahoney, M. C. (2005). Patients with a family history of cancer: Identification and management. J Am Board Fam Pract, 18 (3), 211–217.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fry, A., Campbell, H., Gudmunsdottir, H., Rush, R., Porteous, M., Gorman, D., et al. (1999). GPs’ views on their role in cancer genetics services and current practice. Fam Pract, 16 (5), 468–474.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gail, M. H., Brinton, L. A., Byar, D. P., Corle, D. K., Green, S. B., Schairer, C., et al. (1989). Projecting individualized probabilities of developing breast cancer for white females who are being examined annually. J Natl Cancer Inst, 81 (24), 1879–1886.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glanz, K., Grove, J., Le-Marchand, L., & Gotay, C. (1999a). Underreporting of family history of colon cancer: Correlates and implications. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 8, 635– 639.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glanz, K., Grove, J., Le Marchand, L., & Gotay, C. (1999b). Underreporting of family history of colon cancer: Correlates and implications. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 8 (7), 635-639.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Green, J., Richards, M., Murton, F., Statham, H., & Hallowell, N. (1997). Family communication and genetic counseling: The case of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. J Gen Couns, 6 (1), 45–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guttmacher, A. E., Collins, F. S., & Carmona, R. H. (2004). The family history–more important than ever. N Engl J Med, 351 (22), 2333–2336.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ivanovich, J., Babb, S., Goodfellow, P., Mutch, D., Herzog, T., Rader, J., et al. (2002). Evaluation of the family history collection process and the accuracy of cancer reporting among a series of women with endometrial cancer. Clin Cancer Res, 8 (6), 1849–1856.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ivanovich, J. L., Read, T. E., Ciske, D. J., Kodner, I. J., & Whelan, A. J. (1999). A practical approach to familial and hereditary colorectal cancer. Am J Med, 107 (1), 68–77.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kahn, L. B., Marshall, J. A., Baxter, J., Shetterly, S. M., & Hamman, R. F. (1990). Accuracy of reported family history of diabetes mellitus. Results from san luis valley diabetes study. Diabetes Care, 13 (7), 796–798.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, K., Leventhal, H., Marvin, M., Toppmeyer, D., Much, J., Dermody, J., et al. (2004). Subjective and objective risk of breast cancer in ashkenazi jewish individuals at risk for brca1/2 mutations. Genet Test, 8 (2), 139–147.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krantz, D. S., Baum, A., & Wideman, M. (1980). Assessment of preferences for self-treatment and information in health care. J Pers Soc Psychol, 39 (5), 977–990.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lerman, C., Trock, B., Rimer, B. K., Jepson, C., Brody, D., & Boyce, A. (1991). Psychological side effects of breast cancer screening. Health Psychol, 10 (4), 259–267.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leventhal, H. (1970). Findings and theory in the study of fear communications. Advances Experimental Soc Psychol, 5, 119–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lobb, E. A., Butow, P. N., Barratt, A., Meiser, B., Gaff, C., Young, M. A., et al. (2004). Communication and information-giving in high-risk breast cancer consultations: Influence on patient outcomes. Br J Cancer, 90 (2), 321–327.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Love, R. R., Evans, A. M., & Josten, D. M. (1985). The accuracy of patient reports of a family history of cancer. J Chronic Dis, 38 (4), 289–293.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, H., Lynch, P., & Harris, R. (1978). Minimal genetic findings and their cancer control implications. A family with the cancer family syndrome. JAMA, 240 (6), 535–538.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marder, K., Levy, G., Louis, E. D., Mejia-Santana, H., Cote, L., Andrews, H., et al. (2003). Accuracy of family history data on parkinson's disease. Neurology, 61 (1), 18–23.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, S. M. (1987). Monitoring and blunting: Validation of a questionnaire to assess styles of information seeking under threat. J Pers Soc Psychol, 52 (2), 345-353.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, R. J., Brewster, D., Campbell, H., Porteous, M. E., Wyllie, A. H., Bird, C. C., et al. (2004). Accuracy of reporting of family history of colorectal cancer. Gut, 53 (2), 291-295.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murff, H. J., Byrne, D., & Syngal, S. (2004). Cancer risk assessment: Quality and impact of the family history interview. Am J Prev Med, 27 (3), 239–245.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mussio, P., Weber, W., Brunetti, D., Stemmermann, G. N., & Torhorst, J. (1998). Taking a family history in cancer patients with a simple questionnaire. Anticancer Research, 18, 2811–2814.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Novakovic, B., Goldstein, A. M., & Tucker, M. A. (1996). Validation of family history of cancer in deceased family members. J Natl Cancer Inst, 88 (20), 1492–1493.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parmigiani, G., Berry, D. A., & Aguilar, O. (1998). Determining carrier probabilities for breast cancer–susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Am J Hum Genet, 62, 145–148.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pinsky, P. F., Kramer, B. S., Reding, D., & Buys, S. (2003). Reported family history of cancer in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial. Am J Epidemiol, 157 (9), 792–799.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rich, E. C., Burke, W., Heaton, C. J., Haga, S., Pinsky, L., Short, M. P., et al. (2004). Reconsidering the family history in primary care. J Gen Intern Med, 19 (3), 273–280.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rutten, L. J., Squiers, L., & Hesse, B. (2006). Cancer-related information seeking: Hints from the 2003 health information national trends survey (hints). J Health Commun, 11 Suppl. 1, 147–156.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salsman, J. M., Pavlik, E., Boerner, L. M., & Andrykowski, M. A. (2004). Clinical, demographic, and psychological characteristics of new, asymptomatic participants in a transvaginal ultrasound screening program for ovarian cancer. Prev Med, 39 (2), 315–322.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schnoll, R. A., James, C., Malstrom, M., Rothman, R. L., Wang, H., Babb, J., et al. (2003). Longitudinal predictors of continued tobacco use among patients diagnosed with cancer. Annals Behav Med, 25 (3), 214–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schuette, J. L., & Bennett, R. L. (1998). Lessons in history: Obtaining the family history and constructing a pedigree. In D. L. Baker, J. L. Schuette & R. L. Bennett (Eds.), A guide to genetic counseling (pp. 28-54). New York: Wiley-Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, L. M., Woloshin, S., Black, W. C., & Welch, H. G. (1997). The role of numeracy in understanding the benefit of screening mammography. Annals Internal Med, 127 (11), 966–972.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Severin, M. J. (1999). Genetic susceptibility for specific cancers. Medical liability of the clinician. Cancer, 86 (11), 2564– 2569.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sheridan, S. L., & Pignone, M. (2002). Numeracy and the medical student's ability to interpret data. Eff Clin Pract, 5 (1), 35-40.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silberberg, J., Wlodarczyk, J., Hensley, M., Ray, C., Alexander, H., Basta, M., et al. (1994). Accuracy of reported family history of heart disease: The impact of ‘don't know’ responses. Aust N Z J Med, 24 (4), 386-389.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, E., Woloshin, S., Schwartz, L. M., Byram, S. J., Welch, H. G., & Fischhoff, B. (2001). Women's views on breast cancer risk and screening mammography: A qualitative interview study. Medical Decision Making, 21, 231–240.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Slattery, M. L., & Kerber, R. A. (1994). Family history of cancer and colon cancer risk: The utah population database. J Natl Cancer Inst, 86, 1618–1626.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steptoe, A., & O’Sullivan, J. J. (1986). Monitoring and blunting coping styles in women prior to surgery. Brit J Clin Psychol, 25 (2), 143–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sweet, K. M., Bradley, T. L., & Westman, J. A. (2002). Identification and referral of families at high risk for cancer susceptibility. J Clin Oncol, 20 (2), 528-537.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Theis, B., Boyd, N., Lockwood, G., & Tritchler, D. (1994). Accuracy of family cancer history in breast cancer patients. Eur J Cancer Prev, 3 (4), 321–327.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verkooijen, H. M., Fioretta, G., Chappuis, P. O., Vlastos, G., Sappino, A. P., Benhamou, S., et al. (2004). Set-up of a population-based familial breast cancer registry in Geneva, Switzerland: Validation of first results. Ann Oncol, 15 (2), 350–353.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warthin, A. (1931). Hereditary with reference to carcinoma as shown by the study of the cases examined in the pathological laboratory of the University of Michigan. Ann Int Med, 4, 681–696.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watt, G., McConnachie, A., Upton, M., Emslie, C., & Hunt, K. (2000). How accurately do adult sons and daughters report and perceive parental deaths from coronary disease? J Epidemiol Community Health, 54 (11), 859–863.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weinstock, M. A., & Brodsky, G. L. (1998). Bias in the assessment of family history of melanoma and its association with dysplastic nevi in a case-control study. J Clin Epidemiol, 51 (12), 1299-1303.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Westman, J., Hampel, H., & Bradley, T. (2000). Efficacy of a touchscreen computer based family cancer history questionnaire and subsequent cancer risk assessment. J Med Genet, 37 (5), 354-360.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Woloshin, S., Schwartz, L. M., & Welch, H. G. (2002). Risk charts: Putting cancer in context. J Natl Cancer Inst, 94 (11), 799–804.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Worthen, H. G. (1999). Inherited cancer and the primary care physician. Barriers and strategies. Cancer, 86 (11), 2583–2588.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ziogas, A., & Anton-Culver, H. (2003). Validation of family history data in cancer family registries. Am J Prev Med, 24 (2), 190–198.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Cancer Genetics, The Ohio State University, 646 Medical Research Facility, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Kimberly M. Kelly

  2. Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Kimberly M. Kelly & Randi Shedlosky-Shoemaker

  3. Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Kyle Porter

  4. Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    Kimberly M. Kelly, Randi Shedlosky-Shoemaker & Amber Remy

  5. Department of Oncology, Markey Cancer Foundation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Philip DeSimone

  6. Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Michael A. Andrykowski

Authors
  1. Kimberly M. Kelly
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Randi Shedlosky-Shoemaker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kyle Porter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Amber Remy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Philip DeSimone
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Michael A. Andrykowski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kimberly M. Kelly.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kelly, K.M., Shedlosky-Shoemaker, R., Porter, K. et al. Cancer Family History Reporting: Impact of Method and Psychosocial Factors. J Genet Counsel 16, 373–382 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-006-9076-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-006-9076-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation