Welcome Jeff! Excited to have you join us!

A1. (1 of 3) All pancreatic cancer is the result of a complex interplay of inherited genetic factors, environmental exposures and random chance. #PancChat

A1. (2 of 3) We think of hereditary pancreatic cancer as being caused by a single inherited change that overwhelms the other risk factors, such as pancreatic cancer associated with inherited STK11 mutations, which cause > than a 100 fold increased risk of panc cancer. #PancChat

A1.(3 of 3) Familial pancreatic cancer is an increased occurrence of panc cancer in a family that is the result of multiple shared genetic and environmental exposures. This is defined as families with 2 first-degree relatives with panc cancer and no known genetic cause. #PancChat

A2. An individual with a single first degree relative with pancreatic cancer has approximately a 2-3 fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to someone without a family history. Someone with two first degree relatives has a 5-7 fold increased risk. #PancChat

A3. It is estimated that approximately 5-10% of pancreatic cancers are either familial or due to heritable cancer predisposition genes. #PancChat

A4: (1 of 3) The best way to determine if a patient has familial or inherited pancreatic cancer is through a genetic risk assessment conducted by a genetic counselor or other medical professional with expertise in cancer genetics. #PancChat

A4: (2 of 3) This assessment will generally include: a) a detailed evaluation of a patient’s personal and family history; b) a discussion of the role of genetic testing for inherited causes of pancreatic cancer. #PancChat

A4: (3 of 3) The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has recommended this type of evaluation for all patients with pancreatic cancer since July 2018. #PancChat

A5. Similar to patients with pancreatic cancer, the best way for unaffected individuals with a family history to determine if they are at increased risk is through a genetic risk assessment conducted by a genetic counselor or other similar medical professional. #PancChat

A6. (1 of 2) The best way to do this is looking at your personal + family history of cancer. Cancers that can be linked to increased risk of pancreatic ca include: breast cancer before age 60; ovarian, pancreatic or metastatic prostate cancer at any age; and melanoma. #PancChat

A6. (2 of 2) If you have close relatives (parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces or nephews) with any of these diagnoses, cancer risk assessment by a genetic counselor can help determine if you are at increased risk. #PancChat.

A7. If you are at increased risk due to either genetic testing or family history, you should have a consultation at an experienced center to discuss the pros and cons of screening, and if you do decide to screen, the specific approach that makes the most sense for you. #PancChat

A8. (1 of 2) The age depends upon what type of familial or hereditary risk you have. Individuals with STK11 mutations should consider screening starting at 30-35. Individuals with BRCA2 mutations and a family history, generally should consider screening at age 50. #PancChat

A8. (2 of 2) The specific age that is right for a particular individual is best determined in a collaborative approach between the pancreatic cancer screening team, the genetic professional and the individual patient. #PancChat

A10. (1 of 2) Several recent studies DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2015.64.0730; DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.05.035; has suggested that screen detected hereditary pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage then have been historically seen. #PancChat

A10. (2 of 2) However, further data are needed to show that detecting these cancers by screening is associated with improved survival. #PancChat