Genetic Mutations and Family History
Genetic testing is now the standard care for pancreatic cancer. Finding a mutation can impact treatment choices and the health of other family members. These pancreatic cancer survivors offer their perspective and best practices for living with genetic mutations.
37 Articles
Genetic Testing Changed My Chemo Protocol
Greg Jacobson’s family has an extensive history of cancer. After a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, genetic testing found the mutation for Lynch syndrome.
Sometimes Things Get Worse Before They Get Better
Matthew Rosenblum thought his time was limited after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at age 32, but he’s a BRCA2 carrier, which opened treatment options.
I Wanted Immunotherapy!
When Daniel Miller was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he knew he didn’t want chemotherapy—he wanted immunotherapy!
A Long Journey That Began With Pancreatitis
Paul Suntup’s diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer was just the start of a long treatment journey, but he’s still here.
Reaching Primary Care Providers Through Podcasts
Dr. Jon Hallberg leads a series on early detection of pancreatic cancer as part of his mission to reach providers through podcasts.
A Family Tree Bent but Not Broken by Pancreatic Cancer
When Kay Zedd Kesser looks around her family tree, she sees pancreatic cancer everywhere. But screening saved Kay’s life.
Changing Course Midstream
Barbara Green wasn’t happy with her doctors, so she took the advice of her support group, was an advocate for herself, and changed doctors.
A Cancer-Free Life 25 Years in the Making
Andy Lyons lost many family members to pancreatic cancer. With such a family history he knew to be proactive and get screened regularly.
No One Fights Alone
Because of her grandfather, Rhonda Havig knew she had a family history of pancreatic cancer. But her own diagnosis was still a surprise.
Taking Chances to Beat Pancreatic Cancer
With a family history of pancreatic cancer, Jay Bozick discovered he carries the BRCA2 mutation, which directed his treatment.
Urinary Tract Scans Lead to My Diagnosis
Ellen Robbins has the BRCA2 mutation, and that allowed her to participate in a clinical trial for her pancreatic cancer.
Family History Matters
After Martin Abrams lost two siblings to pancreatic cancer, he made sure he was screened regularly because of his family history.
My Journey with Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Robert Wagar lost both parents to pancreatic cancer. When his wife found an article about a surveillance study he had an MRI, which found a lesion.
Cherishing the Simple Things
Elizabeth O’Connor has a PALB2 genetic mutation so her stage IV pancreatic cancer has responded to immunotherapy.
Taking Life with Pancreatic Cancer One Day at a Time
François has been taking chemotherapy for his pancreatic cancer treatment and living one day at a time, to make the most of his life.