Description
For sample adults whose biological father ever had an unknown kind of cancer (BFUKCAN), BFAUKCAN reports whether the respondent's biological father was under 50 years of age when first diagnosed with the unknown kind of cancer.
Although BFAUKCAN 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 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 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 "biological" relatives as people related by blood. Thus, a respondent's biological father is a father related to the respondent by blood (i.e., not a stepfather, adoptive father, foster father, or father-in-law).
I. Related Variables for Biological Father
Sample adults with a biological father who ever had cancer of any kind (BFHCAN) were asked the follow-up question, "What kinds of cancer did your [biological] father have?" As noted in the 2000, 2005, and 2010 Survey Descriptions, respondents could specify up to two types of cancer for their parents. A complete listing of other types of cancer, besides unknown kinds of cancer, respondents could report is found in BFUKCAN. "Unknown kind of cancer" was recognized as a type of cancer in 2000, but dropped in 2005.
II. Related Variables for Other Biological Relatives
As noted, although the NHIS public use files for 2005 and 2010 did not include the category "unknown kind of cancer," the category was recognized in the files for 2000. In addition to questions about biological father with "unknown kind of cancer," the 2000 "Family History" Cancer Module also included questions related to "unknown kind of cancer" for respondents' biological daughter(s), biological son(s), full brother(s) (i.e., brother(s) with the same biological father and biological mother as the respondent), full sister(s), and biological mother. A complete listing of unknown kind of cancer variables for other biological relatives can be found in BFUKCAN.
Universe
- 2000: Sample adults age 18+ whose father ever had unknown kind of cancer.
Codes and Frequencies
Availability
- 2000
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Weights
- 2000 : SAMPWEIGHT
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