Health care is complex. The human body is complex! Certain conditions, like pancreatic cancer, are not only only difficult to understand in terms of how the disease progresses, but how it can be caused. Here, PatientsLikeMe looks to address one question patients have: is pancreatic cancer hereditary?
Hereditary Diseases
First of all, let's address what this class of condition is. Hereditary diseases are conditions that are passed down from parents to their children through genes. Because of this, they are also called genetic disorders. Genes are segments of DNA, which carry instructions for how our bodies function. Most of our DNA tells our bodies to make certain proteins. These proteins start interactions between cells that help us stay healthy.
Sometimes, genes can mutate or change. This change happens when the cells are dividing, trying to make identical copies of themselves. Not all mutations lead to disorders or adverse health events, but they do increase the risk of developing certain diseases, including cancer. When these mutations are inherited, they can lead to what is known as hereditary or familial cancer.
Is Pancreatic Cancer Hereditary?
Only about 10% of cases are hereditary. A change to the parent's reproductive cells is called a germline mutation. The other 90% come from mutations that occur during a person's life. These are caused by risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, or a high fat diet. Obesity and exposure to workplace chemicals are also factors to consider. A child cannot inherit pancreatic cancer from their parent in these cases.
Family History
If someone in your immediate family, like a parent or sibling, has pancreatic cancer, you may have an increased risk! Fortunately, there are steps you can take to determine if pancreatic cancer is hereditary in your family.
- Genetic Testing: If a family member has pancreatic cancer, they should undergo genetic testing to check for inherited mutations. If their test results are positive or uncertain, or if multiple family members have cancer, they should see a genetic counselor.
- Disease History: A strong family history of certain cancers, such as breast, ovarian, or colon cancer, may also mean a higher risk for hereditary pancreatic cancer. Conditions like hereditary pancreatitis, familial melanoma, and specific genetic syndromes can lead to an increased risk.
Reducing Your Risk
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer does not mean you will get the disease. There are steps you can take to lower your risk. Genetic testing involves analyzing a sample of your blood or saliva to look for inherited mutations. This testing can be important for making informed decisions about your health and cancer risk. Surveillance programs monitor people at high risk for pancreatic cancer. These programs use imaging tests and other methods to detect cancer early, which can improve treatment outcomes.
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking are great ways to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Therefore talk to your healthcare provider often and follow their recommendations for monitoring your health.
If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, staying on top of your health and your family's health is crucial! Consider genetic testing and surveillance programs to monitor your risk. Remember, early detection and a healthy lifestyle are key in reducing the risk and impact of pancreatic cancer.