Why would they ask if my child has.cancer after a chest xray?

[ProfoundPhil]

One of our twin sons has been sick for a couple days with running nose, drainage, and fever. After his fever kept spiking the pediatrician asked us to go get blood work and a chest xray. After the xray a nurse came and asked if: 1) if he had ever had any surgeries (he hasn't)  2) if he had cancer (he doesn't as far as we know)  3) if he lived in a house where people smoke (he doesn't). His mother is freaking out since the cancer question. Why would they ask us those questions? Does this seem normal? Thanks in advance!

[AnnieBrooke]

Whenever I have taken my son to the doctor I have to fill out a whole page of conditions, checking off if he has had them or not.  Maybe that was the only thing that was going on.  Ask the pediatrician for more detail.