Ethnic disparities in the frequency of cancer reported in family histories

Abstract

This study was designed to observe whether disparities exist between ethnicities in reporting a family history of cancer in a cancer genetic counseling clinic. Four hundred sixty‐nine pedigrees collected between 2015 to 2017 from a cancer clinic at the University of California, Irvine, were analyzed. Pedigrees were separated by ethnicity into the following categories: non‐Hispanic White, Hispanic, Asian, or Ashkenazi Jewish. The number of first‐ and second‐degree relatives was calculated for each pedigree, and the total number of relatives reported with cancer. The total reported with cancer was divided by total number of relatives to derive a percentage of cancer reporting for each pedigree. The percentages of cancer reporting were analyzed using column proportions, nonparametric tests, and a Poisson regression. Cancer reporting in first‐ and second‐degree relatives was highest among non‐Hispanic Whites and Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, with median percentages of 22% and 27%, respectively. The median percentage of cancer reporting in first‐ and second‐degree relatives in both Hispanics and Asians was 10%. Cancer reporting medians were significantly lower in Hispanics and Asians when compared to non‐Hispanic Whites and Ashkenazi Jewish individuals (p < .001). Ethnicity was a significant factor for predicting the number of relatives reported to have cancer when analyzed with a Poisson regression. This study concluded that cancer is reported less frequently in families when the proband and their families are Hispanic or Asian. Hispanics and Asians have lower cancer incidence rates; however, incidence rates alone may not explain the reporting disparity observed. Hence, family cancer histories in minority populations may be truncated. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this disparity when assessing cancer risks so appropriate modifications can be made accordingly for recommended cancer screening and/or cancer genetic testing. Further efforts are warranted to disseminate information to minority populations about the value of family health history regarding cancer risk assessment.

Familial history and prevalence of BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 pathogenic variants in HBOC Brazilian patients from a public healthcare service

“…To further evaluate PP3 or BP4 ACMG/AMP criteria, regarding potential splicing effects, all variants classified as VUS were also analyzed by the following prediction tools: ESRseq 82 Familial history of cancer (named FH(+)) was analyzed for 167 patients, for which one side (146 patients) or both sides (21 patients) of the family fulfilled any NCCN criteria for familial history of HBOC. Considering the given side (or sides), family size and number of relatives with cancer were compared between PV/LPV carriers and non-carriers groups for the 167 patients with FH(+), using a Poisson Regression, as performed by Maves et al 85 . To reduce potential bias from undetermined or possible environmentally-related cancers, regardless of patient mutational status, 162 familial cancer cases were excluded from these analyses: 68 cancer cases reported as undetermined, 55 cancer cases reported generically as female reproductive system, and 39 cases reported as cancers associated with respiratory system.…”