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FSNHNCAN
Number of full sisters with head and neck cancer
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Codes

FSNHNCAN is a two-digit count variable.

00: Not in Universe
03: Top code of 3 or more
97: Unknown-Refused
98: Unknown-Not Ascertained
99: Unknown-Don't Know

Description

For sample adults with at least one full sister who ever had head and neck cancer (FSHNCAN), FSNHNCAN reports the number of full sisters who had ever been told they had head and neck cancer. Only persons with at least one full sister (FSNUM) who ever had cancer of any kind (FSNHCAN) were asked follow-up questions about what kind(s) of cancer their full sister(s) had, and about the number of full sisters they had with the specified type(s) of cancer (such as head and neck cancer).
In 2015, due to low frequencies among family members, cancers of the esophagus, larynx-windpipe, Mouth/tongue/lip and throat-pharynx were removed from the NHIS public use file to maintain respondent confidentiality. To maintain continuity of data analyses using these cancers the "head and neck cancer" variable was created. Researchers may choose to recode the component cancers variables (FSNESCAN, FSNLWCAN, FSNMTCAN, and FSNTPCAN) in 2000, 2005 and 2010 to mimic the "head and neck cancer" variables in 2015.

FSNHNCAN is one of a series of related variables in the "Family History" section of the 2000 and later Cancer Modules. In all years, this section begins with the general comment:

We would like to ask you a few questions about your family history of cancer.

According to the 2000 and 2005 Field Representative's Manuals, the purpose of this and other 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 these data "will allow analysts a greater understanding of how family history relates to cancer.
The Manuals for all 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).

Comparability

There are no comparability issues.

Universe

  • 2015: Sample adults aged 18 and older whose biological sister(s) were ever diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Availability

  • 2015

Weights