Description

For sample adults with at least one full sister (FSNUM) who ever had cancer of any kind (FSNHCAN), FSUKCAN reports whether the respondent had at least one full sister who ever had an unknown kind of cancer.

Although FSUKCAN is only available in 2000, the broader series of related questions about cancer "Family History" were part of both the 2000, 2005, and 2010 Cancer Modules. In all three years, this section begins with the general comment:

According to the 2000 and 2005 Field Representative's Manuals, the purpose these family cancer history questions is to "determine the prevalence of cancer in families in the population" to "allow a greater understanding of how data obtained from genetics clinics can be applied to the general population." The 2010 Manual provides a similar rationale, stating that the collection of this data "will allow analysts a greater understanding of how family history relates to cancer."

The Manuals for all three years define "full siblings" as people who have "the same biological father and mother." Thus, a respondent's full sister is a sister who has the same biological father and mother as the respondent (i.e., not half-sisters, stepsisters, adopted sisters, foster sisters, or sisters-in-law).

The variables related to full sisters with prostate cancer, testis cancer or "unknown kind of cancer" are available for 2000 only. Variables related to full sisters with other types of cancer, are available in additional years.

Comparability

There are no comparability issues.

Universe

Availability

• 2000

Weights

• 2000 : SAMPWEIGHT