If we call you for a clarification it does not mean that your family is at increased risk of cancer. In the future we will be asking study participants to update their family history information. A review of your family medical history will tell whether genetic counseling or testing is needed. Using information provided by family members, researchers create pictures like these, called pedigrees, to help show if a certain disease runs in a family. In each of the above diagrams, the arrow points to the person who is giving the information.
Circles stand for females and squares stand for males.
A diagonal slash through a shape means that person has died. A shaded shape means that person has the disease we are studying. The people near the top are those of the oldest generation, while those at the bottom are the youngest. Last updated April 12, 2001. Specific advice on diagnosing or treating a health care problem should be obtained from your health care provider.