Abstract
In oncology, a thorough family history is a cornerstone of genetic risk assessment,
yet it is often limited to first-degree relatives—parents, siblings, and children—thereby
missing crucial hereditary patterns. This article highlights the importance of including
extended family members, such as second- and third-degree relatives, in risk assessment
to uncover hereditary cancer syndromes that might otherwise go undetected. This case
exemplifies how extended family history can transform patient care by enabling accurate
diagnoses, personalized treatment, and preventive strategies. Despite time constraints
in clinical settings, tools such as targeted questioning, standardized questionnaires,
and digital pedigree platforms can streamline the collection of a three-generation
pedigree. Current guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
and National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend such comprehensive histories,
underscoring their clinical value. Incorporating extended family history should become
standard practice in oncology to align with the principles of precision medicine and
improve outcomes for patients and their families.
Keywords genetic screening - extended family history - oncology - precision medicine - hereditary
cancer syndromes - three-generation pedigree
