Increased Burden of Familial-associated Early-onset Cancer Risk among Minority Americans Compared to non-Latino Whites

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe role of race/ethnicity in genetic predisposition of early-onset cancers can be estimated by comparing family-based cancer concordance rates among ethnic groups.MethodsWe used linked California health registries to evaluate the relative cancer risks for first degree relatives of patients diagnosed between ages 0-26, and the relative risks of developing distinct second primary malignancies (SPMs). From 1989-2015, we identified 29,631 cancer patients and 62,863 healthy family members. We calculated the standardized incident ratios (SIRs) of early-onset primary cancers diagnosed in proband siblings and mothers, as well as SPMs detected among early-onset patients. Analyses were stratified by self-identified race/ethnicity.ResultsGiven probands with cancer, there were increased relative risks of any cancer for siblings and mothers [SIR=3.32;95% confidence interval (CI):2.85-3.85)] and of SPMs (SIR=7.27;95%CI:6.56-8.03). Higher relative risk of any cancer in siblings and mothers given a proband with solid cancer (P<0.05) was observed for both Latinos (SIR=4.98;95%CI:3.82-6.39) and for non-Latino Blacks (SIR=7.35;95%CI:3.36-13.95) compared to non-Latino White subjects (SIR=3.02;95%CI:2.12-4.16). For hematologic cancers, higher familial risk was evident for Asian/Pacific Islanders (SIR=7.56;95%CI:3.26-14.90) compared to non-Latino whites (SIR:2.69;95%CI:1.62-4.20).ConclusionsThe data support a need for increased attention to the genetics of early-onset cancer predisposition and environmental factors in race/ethnic minority families in the US.FundingThis work was supported by the V Foundation for funding this work (Grant FP067172).Key MessagesWe identified 29 631 cancer patients and their 62 863 healthy family members in California from 1989 to 2015.The risk of early-onset cancer in siblings and mothers was elevated by having a proband with cancer in the same family.The relative risk of early-onset cancers given a proband with solid cancer was higher for Latinos and Blacks when compared to non-Latino Whites.