Description
For sample adults aged 18 and older with at least one second-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer (SRNBRCAN), SRABRCAN reports the number of the respondent's second-degree relatives who were under 50 years of age when first diagnosed with the breast cancer.
SRABRCAN is one of a series of related variables in the Family History section of the Cancer Module. 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 the 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 2015 Field Representative's Manual defines "second-degree" relatives as the respondent's grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. Great grandparents, great aunts or uncles, cousins, or step-relatives are excluded.
