Is there a genetic link, as two sibli... - Pancreatic Cancer...
Is there a genetic link, as two siblings have had a diagnosis of this cancer, and I have another sister who is Diabetic?
Hi Bradbury,
In some instances there can be genetic link to this cancer and if you have two or more first line relatives (mother, father, brother, sister) your chances of getting pancreatic cancer are 50% higher than the normal population.
However this in no way means you definitely will get pancreatic cancer. It just means your risk is higher than others. Pancreatic cancer is one of the less common cancers and the lifetime risk of contracting it is 1 in 86 and hereditary pancreatic cancer makes up less than 5% of the 8,000 or so cases each year.
If you are worried (and particularly if you have any symptoms) mention your family history to your GP the next time you visit.
We have information on our website about hereditary pancreatic cancer which may be worth reading.
pancreaticcanceraction.org/...
All the best,
Ali
Hi Bradbury
You may also like to take a look at the Europac website for information in respect of Familial Pancreatic Cancer and the research they are carrying out -
europac-org.eu/aboutus/defa...
I am in no way an expert in Familial PC but I can speak from my own experience and the very small amount of knowledge I have on this subject because my husband and his mother have both died from this cancer and, therefore, my son is on the Europac Register. It is estimated that 5-10% of pancreatic cancers may have a hereditary element. My understanding is that the specific faulty gene has not yet been found - hence the Europac Research (although they know that in some cases but not all there is an association with a genetic breast cancer gene called BRAC2). So, it is not easy to test individuals to see if they are at risk. However, there is a secondary screening study in place through Europac although there is a strict eligibilty criteria for this study. You may find that the website answers some of your questions. I hope that this helps.
Thank 's to both Ali and Maggi25 for your feedback, I will be looking further into FPC .Best wishes Bradbury