Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions about Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer
Below are some of the questions people ask about hereditary pancreatic cancer genetics, screening, prevention and treatment. You can read more detailed information about risk, risk-management and treatment options here.
What is pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that helps with digestion of food and controlling sugar levels in the blood.
There are two main groups of pancreatic cancer based on the type of cells where the cancer developed. These cancers behave differently and are treated differently.
- The most common type of pancreatic cancer is called exocrine pancreatic cancer. This group includes pancreatic adenocarcinomas. These cancers tend to be very aggressive.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are much less common. These cancers may be less aggressive and slower growing than pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
How common is pancreatic cancer?
The average risk for pancreatic cancer is about 1.7%. This means that about 1 out of 60 people will develop pancreatic cancer at some point in their lifetime. Some people have a higher-than-average risk for pancreatic cancer due to certain risk factors.
Who is at risk for pancreatic cancer?
Everyone is at risk for pancreatic cancer; the risk increases with age.
Factors that affect pancreatic cancer risk include:
- personal and family history of cancer
- inherited mutations linked to pancreatic cancer risk
- type 2 diabetes
- personal history of chronic pancreatitis
- lifestyle and habits including diet, weight, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption
Is pancreatic cancer genetic?
All pancreatic cancers are caused by damage to genes in the cells of the pancreas. Most of this damage happens during the course of a person's lifetime.
Some pancreatic cancers are hereditary. These are caused by inherited mutations that are present at birth and can be passed on from parents to their children. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they are at high risk.
Are all pancreatic cancers hereditary?
About 10% of pancreatic cancer is hereditary, which means it's caused by an inherited mutation linked to cancer risk. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they are at high risk. Mutations in the genes below increase pancreatic cancer risk and can cause cancer to run in families.
Genes linked to hereditary pancreatic cancer risk
Mutations in the following genes have been linked to hereditary pancreatic cancer.
What type of pancreatic cancer screening is best for high-risk people?
Experts have guidelines for screening for people at high risk for pancreatic cancer. These guidelines differ based on a person's age, personal and family medical history and gene mutation. Visit this page for more information.
Can an inherited mutation change pancreatic cancer treatment options?
Yes. People with pancreatic cancer who test positive for an inherited mutation may have additional treatment options. Some targeted therapies work better in people with certain mutations. Clinical trials testing new options may also be available. Visit this page for more information about pancreatic cancer treatment options.
Screening
National expert guidelines for pancreatic cancer risk management vary based on gene mutation and other factors that affect risk. Click on the button below to learn more about these guidelines.
Treatment
People diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may have different treatment options based on stage and genetic and biomarker test results. Learn more about these treatment options.
Genetic Testing
There are national guidelines that outline who should consider genetic counseling and testing for an inherited mutation linked to cancer.