Abstract
We are systematically collecting the family histories of cancer patients upon admission. Members of the familial tumor counseling service select patients with familial tumors to receive genetic counseling. An attitude survey was conducted among the general public and medical doctors concerning the collecting of family histories. As a result of analysis of the questionnaires set up in a web page for the general public some people felt an interrogative and disagreeable sensation when they were asked about their family history. Most people wanted to undergo genetic testing for cancer, or wanted to do it depending on the terms of testing. If a genetic test was positive, many people answered that they would inform their spouses, parents, and friends of the test results, but this tendency was weak for their parents-in-law or grandparents. The result of questionnaires administered to medical doctors showed that a small number of patients refused to complete the survey about the family history and a small number of doctors had felt a sense of guilt when surveying for the family history. This is a small pilot survey and does not necessarily represent the general population. A more discreet analysis is therefore required.
