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Assessment of family history information in case-control cancer studies.

1991 Apr 15

Journal Article

Authors:
Phillips, P.H.; Linet, M.S.; Harris, E.L.

Secondary:
Am J Epidemiol

Volume:
133

Pagination:
757-65

Issue:
8

PMID:
2021142

DOI:
10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a115954

Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies; Family; Female; Humans; Male; Medical History Taking; Neoplasms

Abstract:
Evidence for the genetic basis of cancer has increased in recent years, and thus, assessing familial aggregation may play an important role in epidemiologic studies. To assess the degree to which family history variables are collected in cancer case-control studies, the authors conducted a literature review of studies published in six journals during 1982-1984. Only 25% of these included a family history component. The authors review some of the literature in favor of inclusion of family information and argue for its routine collection in cancer case-control studies.

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