Hi @amomynous, A family history of genetic syndromes may increase pancreatic cancer risk, including a BRCA2 gene mutation, Lynch syndrome and familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome. Keep in mind that familial pancreatic cancer accounts for only 10% of all pancreatic cancers. You might find this article of interest.

- Mayo Clinic discovers gene mutations linked to pancreatic cancer, calls for expanded testing https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-discovers-gene-mutations-linked-to-pancreatic-cancer-calls-for-expanded-testing/

Has your family considered genetic testing? Would that information calm you or increase the worry?

When there is a history of pancreatic or the same type of a cancer within blood relatives, there is a stronger probability of a genetic component involved. This inherited component is referred to as a germline mutation. The test involves using a small vial of blood, saliva or swabbing of the inner cheek surface for cells and takes 2-3 weeks to obtain the results.

To get tested is a simple process of contacting a geneticist which large medical centers will have. A meeting will be set up along with a genetics counselor to construct a pedigree chart of what members of the family currently have or succumbed to cancers. You should be tested because you have two direct blood relatives (assuming you Father and Grandfather were from the same side of the family…maternal or paternal). As a result of two family members having had the disease, testing is covered by private health insurance as well as Medicare.

Your situation sounds similar to mine. All the females in my family happened to develop breast cancer with one also having had colon and endometrial cancer during her life time. Both my Mother and maternal Grandmother passed from breast cancer and when a daughter of the sister of my Grandmother developed breast cancer, that got testing started on that side of the family. Testing identified offspring carrying the BRCA2 mutation.

Testing on my maternal side was not done as the test was not yet available when they developed their breast cancers. When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012, I mentioned the family cancer history to my oncologist and of the known BRCA2 mutation on another branch of the family tree, he had me tested. I was found to have the BRCA2 gene and immediately contacted my Brother who got tested and also carries the BRCA2 mutation.

Knowing this, my Brother immediately met with a physician who devised an annual screening protocol that is designed to detect if cancer develops at an early time point when it is more easily and successfully treated. Genetic testing is important to find out if one is a carrier so that surveillance can start immediately.