Segregation analysis of the Jacobsen data.

Abstract

Analysis of familial transmission of breast cancer gives the opportunity to study the genetic component of a common disease in which various epidemiological factors have been shown to play a r81e. It also permits discussion of the problem of etiologic heterogeneity which has been suggested for breast cancer not only on clinical and/or histological grounds but also from epidemiological studies. In particular, a variation in familial risk, according to age at diagnosis of the proband (premenopausal vs post-menopausal) , laterality of the disease (unilateral vs bilateral) and type of family history, has been reported (Anderson, 1982). Carcinoma of the breast was also found in variable associations with cancers of other anatomic sites in some families (Lynch et al, 1984).