May 24, 2011 - One of the ways that doctors can determine an individual's risk for cancer is to get a family medical history. However, according to the Doctor's Lounge, there are new findings that family medical history for cancer is not always accurate.
Many individuals try to rely on memory or what they have been told by other family members, with regard to those who have had cancer. A survey of approximately 1,000 people showed that accuracy wasn't always spot on.
After asking those in the study about their family history of cancer, researchers then used death certificates, medical records and other sources to confirm what they had reported.
The accuracy for reporting a family history of cancer was as follows:
- 61% accurate on history of breast cancer;
- 60% accurate on history of lung cancer;
- 27% accurate on history of colorectal cancer; and
- 32% accurate on history of prostate cancer.
As was expected, most of the accurate reporting was with 1st degree relatives, in comparison to 2nd degree relatives.
The accurate reporting of a family's cancer history is very important. Researchers see a need for improvement in this area.
Cancer can be disabling and result in an individual being unable to work while going through treatment and recovery. If you are employed and covered by private disability insurance through your employer, you may be entitled to disability benefits. A St. Louis ERISA attorney can help if your disability benefits have been denied.
Contacting a St. Louis ERISA Attorney
Under ERISA law, your employer must provide you information on your benefits plan and provide access to those benefits when appropriate. If you are in need of assistance in obtaining your rightful disability benefits, a St. Louis ERISA attorney can help - 314-315-8111.