Pancreatic cancer screening

Is screening available for pancreatic cancer?

There are no recommended screening tests for pancreatic cancer for people who are at average risk.

People at higher risk due to familial or genetic factors may be monitored using a test called an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

The Australian Pancreatic High-Risk Screening (APRISE) Study

To support individuals with a higher risk due to family history or inherited genes, the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth is leading the Australian Pancreatic High-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) Study. This research study aims to assess the potential benefit of regular screening for early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Monitoring in this study involves regular MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) scans. You will also be requested to complete yearly questionnaires about your medical history and health.

You may be eligible for the APRISE Study if you fall into one of these high-risk groups:

• Are aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 90 years old

AND

• Without medical history of pancreatic cancer

AND

• Meet ANY of the following criteria:

1. Familial Pancreatic Cancer Group 1
• ≥2 relatives with pancreatic cancer, on same side of family, where the 2 affected are first degree related to each other
  AND
• ≥ 1 affected is first degree related to participant
  AND
• ≥50 years of age, or 10 years younger than earliest pancreatic cancer in family at time of diagnosis.

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2. Familial Pancreatic Cancer Group 2
• ≥2 affected first degree relatives with pancreatic cancer
  AND
• ≥50 years of age, or 10 years younger than earliest pancreatic cancer in family.

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3. Pathogenic Variants
• BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant
  AND
• 1 first or second degree relative with pancreatic cancer
  AND
• ≥50 years of age, or 10 years younger than earliest pancreatic cancer in family.

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4. Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM)
• Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma (FAMMM) with pathogenic or likely pathogenic CDKN2A variant
  AND
• ≥40 years of age.

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5. Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with STK11 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant
  AND
• ≥35 years of age.

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6. Hereditary Pancreatitis
• Hereditary pancreatitis with PRSS1 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant
  AND
• history of pancreatitis
  AND
• ≥40 years of age, or 20 years after onset of pancreatitis (whichever is earlier).