The Three-Generation Pedigree: A Critical Tool in Cancer Genetics Care.

The family history, a rather low-tech tool, is the backbone of genetic assessment and guides risk assessment and genetic testing decisions. The importance of the pedigree and its application to genetic practice is often overlooked and underestimated. Unfortunately, particularly with electronic health records, standard pedigrees are not routinely constructed. A clear understanding of how pedigrees are employed in clinical oncology practice may lead to improved collection and use of family history data.
.