title: Close ties: an exploratory Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM) study of social connections of men in Familial Testicular Cancer (FTC) families.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Testicular cancer, while rare compared with other adult solid tumors, is the most common cancer in young men in northern Europe and North America. Risk factors include white race, positive family history, contralateral testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, infertility and testicular microlithiasis. As the genetic causes of familial clusters (Familial Testicular Cancer or FTC) are being sought, it is also important to understand the psycho-social experiences of members of FTC families.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a cross-sectional examination via the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM) of social connections reported by 49 men in FTC families participating in NCI research study 02-C-178.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CEGRM was acceptable and feasible for use with men in FTC families, and valuable in understanding their social connections. These men have largely adjusted to the TC history in themselves and/or their relatives. They have considerable social and emotional support from family and friends, although there is wide variability in sources and types.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CEGRM focuses on men's social connections and close emotional bonds in FTC families. This action-oriented process of placing colored symbols on significant relationships uncovered previously under-appreciated emotions accompanying men's social exchanges. Most men in FTC families succeed in re-establishing a sense of normalcy in their lives and social connections, in the aftermath of a testicular cancer diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, 6120 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD, 20852 USA. petersju@mail.nih.gov.
authors.forename: June A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kenen
authors.forename: Lindsey M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hoskins
authors.forename: Gladys M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Glenn
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kratz
authors.forename: Mark H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Greene