Genetics & Family History

Molecular and biological risk factors that confer susceptibility to cancer are an increasingly important area of research because of their potential impact in cancer control. These risk factors include family history of cancer and the presence of�cancer susceptibility mutations and other genetic changes.

The Risk Factor Monitoring and Methods Branch (RFMMB) supports surveillance studies to monitor these risk factors in the US and to assess their impact on cancer incidence and progression. We also:

• define measures of risk and develop sound and cost-efficient methods to assess risk;
• examine the potential interaction between measures of susceptibility and environmental and lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use and diet; and
• track the diffusion of cancer genetics services in health care delivery.

Branch staff carry out this research program by conducting independent surveys and collaborating in state and national surveys, such as the genetics portions of the National Health Interview Survey and the California Health Interview Survey. We also develop and provide public access to survey questionnaires that may be useful for outside investigators who wish to compare state and national estimates with estimates from their own local populations.