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Abstract
Five
to 10% of all cases of breast and ovarian cancer are attributed to a
heritable genetic predisposition. Transmission of BRCA1 and BRCA2
mutations is equally likely through maternal or paternal lineage;
however, fewer referrals to cancer genetics clinics appear to be made
for a paternal, than maternal, family history of breast and/or ovarian
cancer. To examine this potential bias, a retrospective review of 315
patient and family charts was conducted by one familial cancer clinic in
Toronto, Canada. Referral letters, risk estimates, and family histories
were analyzed to identify significant differences between patients
referred with maternal and paternal family histories. It was determined
that patients are approximately five times more likely to be referred
with a maternal family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer as
compared to those with a paternal family history (p = <.0001).
Individuals with a paternal family history were found to have a
different, and higher, pattern of risk estimates (p = .00064). No
significant difference was seen between the type of referrals sent by
general practitioners, oncologists, and gynecologists. Recommendations
to increase the awareness of paternal family history in assessing cancer
risk are provided.
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