Family history record and hereditary cancer risk perception after the creation of a heredofamilial cancer unit in a Spanish hospital.

Abstract

e12003 Background: A comprehensive family history and consideration of the criteria for hereditary cancer risk are essential for oncology practice, since patients and relatives at risk could benefit from further genetic counseling (GC). The objective of this work is to compare the family history record and the hereditary cancer perception risk according to national cancer institute (NCI) criteria before and after the creation of a heredofamilial cancer unit (HFCU). Methods: We retrospectively analyze the clinical records from new incoming patients of our medical oncology service in two cohorts: Cohort 1, from January 2009 to December 2009 (before HFCU creation); and cohort 2, from May 2010 to August 2010 (first four months after HFCU creation). Family history record (yes/no) and NCI general hereditary cancer criteria (unusually early age; one or more first-degree relatives affected with the same or a related tumor; synchronous, bilateral or metachronous cancer in the same individual; atypical presentations; suggestive pathology report) were collected. Results were compared using chi-square test. p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The table summarizes the results. In cohort 1, 28% (175/621) of clinical records contained the family history, while in cohort 2 this percentage increased to 54% (92/171), (p<0.001). 17% (106/621) patients in cohort 1 and 23% (40/171) in cohort 2, met NCI risk criteria (N.S.) In cohort 1, 13% (14/106) of these patients were referred to GC, while in cohort 2 this percentage increased to 38% (15/40) (p<0.01). Conclusions: The creation of a multidisciplinary HFCU significantly increased the quality of family history records and the referral of patients at risk to GC. However, the percentages still remain limited and further efforts must be made in order to remark the importance of family history in oncology. [Table: see text]