Unpicking the genetic basis of pancreatic cancer

While most cases of pancreatic cancer do not run in families, research suggests that around 1 in 10 may be inherited.

If pancreatic cancer does run in the family, there may be more than one relative on the same side of the family affected. 

Pancreatic cancer that runs in families may be caused by changes to particular genes. Genes are the body’s instruction manual, containing the information that controls our appearance and how our bodies work.  

Occasionally, there may be changes in genes which mean that someone is more likely to get a disease, including cancer. This type of change in a gene is called a variant, fault or mutation. Some genetic changes are linked to an increased risk of developing cancer.

For example, changes in genes called BRCA may increase your risk of developing cancers including breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. 

There are also some rare genetic conditions, sometimes called family cancer syndromes, that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. These include Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and Lynch Syndrome.

Monitoring people with a family history of pancreatic cancer 

There is still a lot we don’t know about inherited pancreatic cancer. In some cases the gene variants responsible for pancreatic cancer can be identified, but in other cases they cannot.  

Early detection of pancreatic cancer saves lives. Understanding the genetic basis of pancreatic cancer gives us an opportunity to identify people who might be at higher risk so that they can be proactively monitored for signs of cancer. 

Pancreatic Cancer UK funds the EUROPAC research study, led by Professor Bill Greenhalf at the University of Liverpool. This study is focused on improving our understanding of inherited pancreatic cancer, as well as pancreatitis.

Through this study, people with an inherited risk of pancreatic cancer may be able to receive regular monitoring which aims to pick up any changes to the pancreas at an early stage. This means it will be more likely to be treatable. 

Personalised cancer prevention

Drugs called PARP inhibitors are already used to treat breast and ovarian cancer in people with BRCA variants linked to a higher risk of these conditions. However, there is also evidence to suggest that these drugs may be able to prevent cancers from developing in people with BRCA variants.

This type of preventative treatment is known as chemoprevention, and it aims to lower the risk of cancer in healthy people. 

More research is needed to explore the potential of this kind of personalised cancer prevention and to answer questions such as what are the potential effects of these drugs in healthy people? We are joining forces with other cancer charities to call for investment in early-stage studies and clinical trials to explore these questions further and will be following this area of research with interest. 

If you are worried about family history of pancreatic cancer

It is important to remember that most cancers are not inherited. If you are concerned that you may have an inherited risk of pancreatic cancer, you can use our Family History Checker to find out if you may be eligible for regular monitoring. You can also contact our Support Line to talk through any worries with our specialist nurses who are all experts in pancreatic cancer