Genomics, genes and pancreatic cancer

What are genomes and genes?

Your genome is your body’s complete set of instructions. It contains all the information needed for your body to grow, develop, and function. Your genome is made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Almost every cell in your body has a copy of your genome.

Genes are small sections of DNA within the genome that play specific roles in how the body works, looks and grows. You inherit half your genes from your mother and half from your father.

Only part of your genome is made up of genes. The rest helps control when genes are used, keeps DNA organised, and supports the normal working of cells. Scientists are still learning about all the roles of these non-gene parts of the genome, but they are essential for health.

What have genes got to do with pancreatic cancer?

Cancer happens when genes inside your body’s cells get damaged or changed. These changes are called genetic variants, sometimes called faults or mutations. Most of the time, these genetic variants happen over a person’s lifetime rather than being passed down from their parents (hereditary). They can happen due to:

• a random mistake when a cell divides
• environmental factors or lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity.

These gene variants are known as somatic or acquired.

Can pancreatic cancer be hereditary?

Sometimes genetic variants can be hereditary (run in families). These are called inherited or constitutional gene variants. In pancreatic cancer, less than one in ten cases (10%) are thought to be inherited. Having certain inherited gene variants increases a person’s risk of getting pancreatic cancer, but it does not mean they will definitely develop it.

Find out more about pancreatic cancer that runs in families.

What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of your entire genome, not just your genes. It looks at how your genes and the rest of your genome work together to affect your health. It also looks at how changes in genes can affect the way your body works, how diseases develop, and how the body responds to treatment. Doctors can use genomics to help them:

• understand how genes affect health and disease
• predict how people will respond to certain treatments
• personalise treatment and care.

In the future, it may help earlier and more effective diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, helping people live longer and stay healthier.

What is genomic testing?

Genomic testing is a way of looking at genes to find certain genetic variants. It can help detect people at higher risk of cancer, or guide cancer treatment.

There are two main types of genomic testing. These either aim to find inherited genetic variants, or to look at genetic variants in the tumour if someone has cancer.

Finding inherited genetic variants

• looks for genetic variants you were born with that may run in your family
• helps identify if you have a higher risk of developing certain cancers
• involves a simple blood or saliva sample, usually done through a clinical genetics service or by your medical team.

Read more about inherited genetic variants in pancreatic cancer.

Tumour (somatic) testing

• looks at genetic variants in the cancer cells
• needs a biopsy of the tumour, often done during diagnosis
• may mean you can take part in clinical trials that are looking at treatments for certain genetic variants
• may help tailor treatment, as some treatments may work on cancers with certain variants.

At the moment, only a few pancreatic cancer gene variants have specific treatments. Genomic testing is not typically used to work out your first-line treatment, which usually involves surgery and/or standard chemotherapy. This is because research into genomics in pancreatic cancer is still at an early stage, and not many people will benefit from it yet.

Genomic testing may be helpful if first-line treatment doesn’t work as expected. By looking for specific genetic changes, it can sometimes help guide next steps in treatment or identify clinical trials that may be suitable for you.

You can ask your medical team about genomic testing when you are diagnosed, as there is a chance it could help guide your treatment . You will need to have a biopsy for genomic testing. If you did not have a biopsy when you were diagnosed, ask your medical team about this.

Can I get genomic testing on the NHS?

Genomic testing is available on the NHS, but access can vary depending on where you live and why you need the test. Speak to your medical team or your GP about getting genomic testing. They will know what the process is in your area.

Research and the future of genomics in pancreatic cancer

There is a lot of research into genomics to improve pancreatic cancer care. The hope is that this will help diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier, and make treatments more personalised, effective, and with fewer side effects. In the UK, there are studies involving people with pancreatic cancer underway. You can find out more about studies on our clinical trial finder, by searching using ‘genomics’ as a keyword.

Published May 2026

To be reviewed May 2027