While most pancreatic cancers are NOT inherited, about 10 to 15% are caused by a mutation in a single gene passed through the family. Determining if a genetic susceptibility is contributing to a personal and/or family history of cancer may assist in medical decision making. This knowledge may also clarify the cancer risks of relatives, who may be reassured that they have not inherited a familial tendency and therefore do not require intensive screening.
When Should I Suspect A Pancreatic Cancer May Be Hereditary?
When pancreatic cancer is caused by a mutation in a single gene passed through the family you may see:
- Pancreatic cancer diagnosed at an early age (e.g. under 50)
- Multiple family members (blood relatives on the same side of the family) with pancreatic cancer
- Certain combinations of related cancers (breast and ovary, colon and uterus, or breast and melanoma)
- An individual with two or more primary cancers (e.g. breast and pancreatic)
- Rare tumor types (e.g. male breast cancer, pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid cancer, paraganglioma)
- Hereditary pancreatitis
- Multiple (> 25) colon polyps
These features are only guidelines for assessing the risk for hereditary cancers. When these factors combine with a pattern in the family history that is recognizable to your physician or genetic counselor, it may indicate a hereditary risk for cancer.
Is There a Test to Determine if Pancreatic Cancer is Hereditary?
Genetic testing is available for hereditary pancreatic cancer syndromes. The family history and cancer types in a family are used to determine the likelihood of a hereditary cancer syndrome and, if a syndrome is suspected, which gene(s) should be analyzed.
It is generally most informative if a relative who has had cancer is tested first, to determine if an identifiable gene mutation exists in the family. If a mutation is identified in an affected relative, at-risk family members may elect to be tested for the familial mutation; those testing positive have a significantly increased risk of developing cancer, while those relatives testing negative may be told that they have the general population risk of developing cancer.
What Should I Do Now?
Please use this section as background education. It is not a substitute for a clinical visit to our Center or discussion of a possible hereditary condition with your physician.
- Take the next ten to twenty minutes to fill out the online MyGenerations for an initial evaluation of your risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Make an appointment with your physician to discuss your risk of cancer.
- Make an appointment with the Center for Medical Genetics by calling 847.570. 1029.
- Email this page to a friend or loved one that may be at risk.