Analysis of co-aggregation of cancer based on registry data

OBJECTIVE: An exploratory analysis of co-aggregation of cancers using registry-based data. METHODS: We utilized sibships from over 18,000 families who had been recruited to the NCI-sponsored multi-institutional Cancer Genetics Network. The analysis assesses co-aggregation at the individual and family level and adjusts for ascertainment. RESULTS: We found statistically significant familial co-aggregation of lung cancer with pancreatic (adjusted p < 0.001), prostate (adjusted p < 0.003), and colorectal cancers (adjusted p = 0.004). In addition, we found significant familial co-aggregation of pancreatic and colorectal cancers (adjusted p = 0.018), and co-aggregation of hematopoietic and (non-ovarian) gynecologic cancers (adjusted p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This analysis identified familial aggregation of cancers for which a genetic component has yet to be established.