Description

For sample adults whose biological mother ever had cancer of any kind (BMHCAN), BMUKCAN reports whether the respondent's biological mother ever had an unknown kind of cancer.

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

According to the 2000 and 2005 Field Representative's Manuals, the purpose of 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 and later Manuals provide 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 years define "biological" relatives as people related by blood. Thus, a respondent's biological mother is a mother related to the respondent by blood (i.e., not a stepmother, adoptive mother, foster mother, or mother-in-law).

Comparability

BMUKCAN is available only in 2000.

Universe

Availability

• 2000

Weights

• 2000 : SAMPWEIGHT