Family History

Participants provide their family health history for the conditions studied in the eMERGE phase 4 study. To do this, they use the online MeTree tool created at Duke University or fill out a survey. Participants note whether their parents, full siblings or children — together known as first-degree relatives — have any of the conditions studied. Family history helps estimate the risk of some conditions.

For breast cancer, participants also include second-degree relatives, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles. The family history helps calculate the Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA) score. Researchers use this score to estimate each participant's risk of getting breast cancer.

The Genome Informed Risk Assessment (GIRA) report displays family history for these conditions:

  • Asthma.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Breast cancer in participants whose sex at birth is female.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Coronary heart disease.
  • Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Obesity, as defined by body mass index.
  • Prostate cancer in participants whose sex at birth is male.
  • Type 1 diabetes.
  • Type 2 diabetes.

Having one or more close family members with these conditions triggers a high-risk report:

  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Breast cancer in women.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Coronary heart disease.
  • Prostate cancer in participants whose sex at birth is male.