Individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer have a higher risk to develop pancreatic cancer. A recent study reported the following pancreatic cancer risks compared to the general population, based on relationship to an individual with pancreatic cancer:
First-degree relative (e.g., parent, sibling, child) – 1.76 fold higher
Second-degree relative (e.g., aunts, uncles, grandparents) – 1.42 fold higher
Many genes lead to inherited pancreatic cancer. Genetic testing may help identify the cause of pancreatic cancer and guide treatment. Family members of pancreatic cancer patients with inherited disease may benefit from genetic testing which could guide screening to detect pancreatic cancer early.
Check out the full article at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31240435