How do genes and family history affect pancreatic cancer risk?

A Answers (4)

• Follow Following Unfollow Pending Disabled
  A Johns Hopkins Medicine answered

  Knowing your family history of disease is important.  Up to 10 percent of pancreatic cancers are inherited from parent to child.  We are learning about specific instructions in DNA, called genes, that are associated with inherited cancers. 
  Individuals with 2 or more first degree relatives (parent, sibling, or child) who have had pancreatic cancer have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. 
  Individuals with 3 or more close relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents) are also at risk. In addition, there are some inherited genes that are associated with an increased risk of multiple cancers.  Individuals who have a young family member under the age of 50 with any of the following cancers: breast, pancreatic, colon cancer, or melanoma, should have a discussion with their physician to determine if they are at increased risk for an inherited cancer.  Johns Hopkins experts are studying family risk and causes for pancreatic cancer. The National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry at Johns Hopkins began in 1994 when the importance of familial clustering and pancreatic cancer was recognized.  We believe that there is likely to be a genetic cause behind this clustering.  With our research in hand, we are working on ways to improve our methods of genetic counseling and screening methods for pancreatic cancer. 
  We are also on the hunt for additional pancreatic cancer genes through genotyping technology and gene sequencing.
  Helpful?
• Follow Following Unfollow Pending Disabled
  A Carrie Bilicki , Oncology Nursing, answered on behalf of Aurora Health Care

  The risk for developing pancreatic cancer triples if a person's mother, father, sister, or brother had the disease. The risk of pancreatic cancer is also increased for patients with a familial cancer syndrome, which may include a family history of ovarian cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, or breast cancer in addition to pancreatic cancer. It is estimated that 10% of pancreatic cancer cases are due to a hereditary predisposition.

  Helpful?
• Follow Following Unfollow Pending Disabled
  A Penn Medicine answered

  Approximately 5% to 10% of pancreatic cancer is considered to be hereditary. For those who have a family history of pancreatic cancer or one of several genetically linked syndromes that predispose them to pancreatic cancer, it is very important to identify that risk and get appropriate screening and intervention.
  
  Anyone who has had at least one parent or sibling (first-degree relative) with pancreatic cancer should meet with a certified genetic counselor to develop a comprehensive family history and discuss their own risk for developing pancreatic cancer. A genetic counselor can also help identify conditions such as hereditary pancreatitis that can significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, as well as specific genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing other cancers. The gene mutation BRCA1, for example, is associated with a high incidence of breast cancer and has also been linked to increases in pancreatic cancer.
  
  It is important to realize not all risks are equal. By learning family history, every person can understand their own personal risk level. That information can be used to make decisions about screenings and tests as well as medical interventions that may reduce the chance of someone developing pancreatic cancer.
  Helpful?
• Follow Following Unfollow Pending Disabled
  A Dr. John A. Chabot , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery

  Inherited gene mutations play a role in up to 15% of all cancers of the pancreas. Family members of patients with pancreatic cancer may have a dramatically increased risk of developing the disease. It is now known that at least six distinct cancer syndromes account for a portion of inherited pancreatic cancers.  
  
  A family history of pancreatic cancer not related to inherited gene mutations is also significant and increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer at least fivefold.
  
  
  
  Helpful?