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.

43 Articles

Grace and Jay Bozick and their horse
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2023 • 4 Min

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.

Pancreatic cancer patient Ellen Robbins and her husband Bob
Survivor Stories
November 2, 2022 • 3 Min

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.

pancreatic cancer patient Martin Abrams
Survivor Stories
August 30, 2022 • 3 Min

Family History Matters

After Martin Abrams lost two siblings to pancreatic cancer, he made sure he was screened regularly because of his family history.

pancreatic cancer survivor Robert Wagar
Survivor Stories
May 5, 2022 • 3 Min

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.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Elizabeth O'Connor and her family
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2022 • 6 Min

Cherishing the Simple Things

Elizabeth O’Connor has a PALB2 genetic mutation so her stage IV pancreatic cancer has responded to immunotherapy.

pancreatic cancer patient Francois
Survivor Stories
November 12, 2021 • 6 Min

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.

pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Helene Avraham-Katz and her family
Survivor Stories
September 23, 2021 • 5 Min

The Butterfly Effect and Living Every Day to My Fullest

Because Helene Avraham-Katz has the BRCA2 mutation, certain chemotherapies work better and she is eligible for specific clinical trials.

pancreatic cancer patient Chris Treubert
Survivor Stories
May 28, 2021 • 3 Min

BRCA Mutation Determines My Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Chris Treubert started with one type of chemotherapy but when the results of genetic testing showed a BRCA mutation he changed treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Steven Robinson and his wife
Survivor Stories
January 22, 2021 • 6 Min

What Caused My Pancreatic Cancer?

Despite no known genetic link, Steven Robinson is the fourth member of his family on his mother’s side to get pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Irma Infante
Survivor Stories
November 30, 2020 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Makes the Difference

Irma Infante refused to give up after a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She went for a second opinion and better treatment options.

pancreatic cancer patient Gina Harrison and her grandsons
Survivor Stories
August 18, 2020 • 4 Min

The Value of Molecular Profiling and Genetic Testing

Gina Harrison underwent molecular profiling of her pancreatic tumor, which led her to a clinical trial. Genetic testing showed her BRCA1 mutation was random.

pancreatic cancer patient Beverly Leighton and her family
Survivor Stories
May 7, 2020 • 4 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Caught Early Because of My Vigilance

Beverly Leighton joined a screening study and underwent genetic testing because of her family history of pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Harvey Parker and his wife and daughters
Survivor Stories
April 24, 2020 • 5 Min

Genetic Testing Leads Me to a PARP Inhibitor Trial

Harvey Parker had genetic testing as part of his initial pancreatic cancer treatment. The BRCA2 mutation led him to a PARP inhibitor clinical trial.

Malcolm Robertson and family
Survivor Stories
April 13, 2020 • 3 Min

A Genetic Mutation Aids My Treatment

Malcolm Robertson carries the BRCA2 mutation, so when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, platinum-based chemo was part of his treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Adam Deal
Survivor Stories
November 20, 2019 • 6 Min

Tumor RNA Testing Leads to Treatment with a New Drug

When treatment stopped working for Adam Deal, genetic testing of his tumor RNA found a mutation that made him eligible to try a new drug.