Achieving utility with family history: colorectal cancer risk.
Family history of chronic disease is rapidly becoming a research tool for targeting participants at increased risk. Its current usefulness in clinical practice remains unknown. This paper details the possible utility and complications in using family history in a primary care setting, using colorectal cancer risk as the health issue. Where available, we cite data to support the issues that could arise. Where there are no studies, we invite further research. The potential of family history as a health improvement tool is still under review.
Bowen
Deborah J
DJ
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., MP900, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. dbowen@fhcrc.org
Ludman
Evette
E
Press
Nancy
N
Vu
Thuy
T
Burke
Wylie
W
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005190:Family; D005820:Genetic Testing; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012307:Risk Factors