Assessment of family cancer history collection and utilization in patient care

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine whether patients and accompanying persons visiting the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic were aware if a family cancer history was recorded and utilized in their medical care; whether they were aware of the importance of a family cancer history, and whether they would like to learn more about familial cancer. METHODS: Sixteen- and 17-item self-report questionnaires were administered to patients and their accompanying persons, respectively, who were visiting the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic. All responses were anonymous. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-four patient questionnaires and 114 accompanying person questionnaires were completed. Seventy-eight percent of the patients and 70% of the accompanying persons replied that a physician had inquired about their family history of cancer. Only 40% of those patients and 70% of those accompanying persons (31 and 49% of total patients and accompanying persons, respectively) replied that the inquiry was by their family physician. Sixty-seven percent of these patients and 63% of these accompanying persons reported that a written record was made of the family history. Thirty-one percent of the patients and 28% of accompanying persons knew that their family cancer history information had been used to aid in their medical care. Eighty-eight percent of the patients and 83% of the accompanying persons reported the occurrence of at least one relative with cancer; however, only 44% of the patients and 35% of the accompanying persons replied that a health care provider had ever provided teaching about the importance of a family cancer history. Seventy-five percent of the patients and 73% of the accompanying persons indicated that they would like to learn more about hereditary cancer and cancer genetics. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that patients desire information about cancer genetics and hereditary cancer. Therefore, health care providers should provide better education and information to their patients as well as improve their family history-taking skills.