ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Evidence on the relation of family history of cancers other than breast cancer to breast cancer risk is conflicting and most studies have not assessed specific breast cancer subtypes. METHODS: We assessed the relation of first degree family history of breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, ovarian, cervical cancer, and lymphoma or leukemia, to risk of estrogen receptor positive (ER+), ER-, and triple negative breast cancer in data from the African American Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk Consortium. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: There were 3,023 ER+ and 1,497 ER- breast cancer cases (including 696 triple negative cases) and 17,420 controls. First degree family history of breast cancer was associated with increased risk of each subtype: OR=1.76 (95% CI 1.57-1.97) for ER+, 1.67 (1.42-1.95) for ER-, and 1.72 (1.38-2.13) for triple negative breast cancer. Family history of cervical cancer was associated with increased risk of ER- (OR=2.39, 95% CI 1.36-4.20), but not ER+ cancer. Family history of both breast and prostate cancer was associated with increased risk of ER+ (3.40, 2.42-4.79) and ER- (2.09, 1.21-3.63) cancer, but family history of both breast and lung cancer was associated only with ER- cancer (2.11, 1.29-3.46). CONCLUSIONS:  A family history of cancers other than breast may influence risk of breast cancer and associations may differ by subtype. IMPACT:  Greater surveillance and counseling for additional screening may be warranted for women with a family history of cancer.

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