In most cases, pancreatic cancer does not run in families. However, around 10% of pancreatic cancers are the result of inherited changes.

Certain genetic conditions listed below can also increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. It is important to know that while this means a person’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer is higher than the general population, most people will not develop pancreatic cancer.

If you're concerned about a genetic condition or your family's history of pancreatic cancer and how it might affect you, speak to your GP and/or a genetic counsellor.

Familial pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer can sometimes "run in the family" due to inherited gene problems. Genes carry instructions for how our bodies function, and we inherit them from our parents. Some genes help to protect against cancer. If there is a DNA problem and a gene is not working properly, the risk of developing cancers including pancreatic cancer can be higher than usual.

Familial pancreatic cancer refers to cases where the disease occurs in multiple family members, even if there isn't a known genetic cause.

You may be at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer if:

  • Two or more close relatives (like parents, siblings, or children) have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
  • Three or more relatives on the same side of the family have had pancreatic cancer.

While multiple cases in a family could happen by chance, the more cases there are, the more likely it is that genetic factors could be present.

Family cancer syndromes

In some families, pancreatic cancer is linked to rare genetic conditions called family cancer syndromes. These syndromes are caused by specific DNA variants in genes that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer.

Examples of family cancer syndromes linked to pancreatic cancer include:

Syndrome/Condition Gene(s) involved Gene function Associated cancers
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome STK11 Cancer protection (tumour suppressor) Breast, colorectal, gynecological, pancreas, gastric, and testicular cancer
BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant BRCA1, BRCA2 Cancer protection (tumour suppressor) Breast, gynecological, uterine, prostate, and pancreatic cancer
PALB2 pathogenic variant PALB2 Cancer protection (tumour suppressor) Breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer
Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (FAMMM) CDKN2A (p16) Cancer protection (tumour suppressor) Melanoma and pancreatic cancer
Lynch syndrome MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 DNA repair Colorectal, endometrial, gastric, ovarian, urothelial, prostate and pancreatic cancer
ATM pathogenic variant ATM DNA repair Breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer
Hereditary pancreatitis PRSS1 Digestive enzyme production Pancreatic cancer

Having a genetic condition linked to pancreatic cancer doesn’t mean you will definitely develop pancreatic cancer. However, it does increase your chance of developing pancreatic cancer compared to others.

If you are concerned you may be at risk for pancreatic cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a genetic counsellor. A genetic counsellor can provide help with questions and concerns as well as information and support with decisions about genetic tests.

The only way to confirm whether you have a gene variant associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer is through genetic testing, which will be guided by a geneticist or genetic counsellor.

Genetic testing

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing looks at genetic material (DNA) that is shared with your blood relatives. A genetic test usually involves having a blood test. Sometimes it can be done via a saliva test.

Genetic testing may raise important issues. Although few may be expected to arise, your awareness of these potential issues is important. You will have a chance to ask questions, and it is your choice whether to proceed with a genetic test.

It is important to understand that results from genetic testing will usually not indicate that you have a disease or disorder, or whether you will develop it or not. The test may only show that you have an increased risk of developing a disease or disorder.

Some types of insurance application forms (e.g., some types of life and income insurance) may ask whether you have had genetic testing. Genetic testing should not affect health insurance in Australia in any way.

Can I have a genetic test for pancreatic cancer?

You may be referred to a medical geneticist or genetic counsellor if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or if your family has a known genetic condition that increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.

The geneticist or genetic counsellor will provide personalised advice about any relevant options for genetic testing and/or any recommended check-ups.

If you are offered a genetic test, the decision to take it is entirely yours, and you can take a much time as you need to decide. If the test shows a gene variant, the geneticist or genetic counsellor will advise on the next steps for how to be proactive about your health, including options for regular check-ups.