Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection and Prevention

Am I at Higher Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?

You may have a higher chance of developing pancreatic cancer if you have:

• A pancreatic cyst
• Family history of pancreatic cancer  
• History of pancreatitis
• A genetic mutation that increases pancreatic cancer risk

People who smoke, are obese or have diabetes are also at higher risk of pancreatic cancer.

Early Detection & Screening Services

After thoroughly reviewing your medical records, you will be evaluated by a surgeon and/or gastroenterologist. A team of specialists also reviews your history.

Your provider then recommends the next steps to prevent and detect disease. This can include:

• Ongoing surveillance (every 6–12 months) for those with a family history or a genetic syndrome associated with pancreatic cancer 
• Evaluation and diagnosis of pancreatic cysts using technologies such as endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 
• Surveillance or surgical treatment of pancreatic cysts associated with a high risk of cancer development
• Nutrition and lifestyle changes, including dietary changes (such as increasing vitamin D intake if you are deficient) or smoking cessation
• Genetic testing to determine whether you have a genetic mutation associated with pancreatic cancer

Benefits of Screening

The cure rate for people diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer can be as high as 80 percent. This is why we emphasize the importance of screening for people at risk of this cancer.

Testing for Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer

If you have a first-degree relative who has had pancreatic cancer, it's in the national guidelines that you should have genetic testing.

About 15% of pancreatic cancers are believed to be caused by genetic mutations that can be passed from parent to child. Having a parent or sibling with pancreatic cancer can increase the risk to 4%. When two or more close relatives have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer, the risk increases to as much as 40%. This is often referred to as familial pancreatic cancer.

We offer genetic testing to find inherited syndromes that can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer, including:

• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 gene mutations)
• Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome
• Hereditary (familial) pancreatitis
• Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC syndrome)
• Ataxia telangiectasia (ATM gene mutations)

Genetic testing is done with a simple blood test.

Benefits of Genetic Testing

Knowing that you have a genetic mutation associated with pancreatic cancer, you and your doctor can:

• Develop a personalized screening and prevention plan specific to the genetic mutation and your risk factors based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCNN) guidelines
• Use lifestyle changes — such as exercise, nutrition and smoking cessation — to reduce your risk
• Inform your first-degree family members to get tested