Predictors of Self-Reported Family Health History of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify predictors of self-reported family health history of breast cancer in an ethnically diverse population of women participating in a breast cancer screening program. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about their demography, health, breast health and family health history of breast cancer. The association between family health history of breast cancer and categorical variables were analyzed using the T test, chi square, and multi-nominal logistic regression. Those who were least likely to report a family history of cancer were African Americans (p = 0.02), and immigrant women from South America (p < 0.001) and Africa (p = 0.04). However, 34.4 % reported having a second-degree maternal relative with breast cancer compared to 6.9 % who reported having a second degree paternal relative with breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need to increase efforts to educate families about the importance of collecting and sharing one's family health history.

Ethnic disparities in the frequency of cancer reported in family histories

“…However, there were some notable findings including that African Americans reported a family history of breast cancer significantly less frequently when compared to Caucasians. A significant difference was not found between Hispanics and Caucasians (Ricks‐Santi et al, 2016). Findings also noted trends between increased education and an increase of reporting a family history of breast cancer (Ricks‐Santi et al, 2016).…”

“…A significant difference was not found between Hispanics and Caucasians (Ricks‐Santi et al, 2016). Findings also noted trends between increased education and an increase of reporting a family history of breast cancer (Ricks‐Santi et al, 2016). Although this study did assess the frequency of cancer reporting in the family history, it only included questions about breast cancer and included few Caucasians for comparison.…”

“…Ricks‐Santi et al (2016) assessed demographic factors as potential predictors for reporting a family history of breast cancer. This study was limited by sample size, given that there were only 12 Caucasians included in the analysis compared to 259 Hispanics and 320 African Americans.…”

US Preventive Services Task Force Breast Cancer Recommendation Statement on Risk Assessment, Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Testing for BRCA-Related Cancer

“…6,7 Survey studies have also shown that black women are less likely to have breast cancer family history information available compared with white women. 8,9 The USPSTF BRCA risk assessment recommendation does not delineate the breast cancer hereditary susceptibility issues associated with African ancestry owing to lack of evidence. Paradoxically, the data-driven basis for the USP-STF recommendation statement may magnify existing genetic testing disparities.…”

“…Higher rates of BRCA variants of uncertain significance are reported in non-Hispanic black individuals . Survey studies have also shown that black women are less likely to have breast cancer family history information available compared with white women . The USPSTF BRCA risk assessment recommendation does not delineate the breast cancer hereditary susceptibility issues associated with African ancestry owing to lack of evidence.…”