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.

36 Articles

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.

Pancreatic cancer patient Malcolm Robertson and his 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.

Pancreatic cancer survivors Scott and Steve Nelson
Survivor Stories
June 6, 2019 • 5 Min

Younger Brother’s Pancreatic Cancer Leads to Regular Screening for his Oldest Brother

When Scott Nelson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, oldest brother Steve began regular screening, which lead to his early diagnosis.

pancreatic cancer patient Justin Baker and family
Survivor Stories
March 8, 2019 • 5 Min

Facing Pancreatic Cancer and Making the Most of Borrowed Time

With a young family, Justin Baker is hoping for more time because he has a genetic mutation that favors certain treatments.

Roxanne Waling, five-year pancreatic cancer survivor posing on her river cruise through Europe.
Survivor Stories
May 9, 2018 • 6 Min

Listen to Your Body

When Roxanne Waling discovered she had pancreatic cancer she underwent genetic testing. She found she was a BRCA2 carrier, which influenced her post-treatment decisions about her health.

Connie Waxman
Survivor Stories
April 2, 2018 • 4 Min

Genomic Testing of Pancreatic Tumor Leads to an Important Discovery

Connie Waxman learned the value of palliative care after chemotherapy, radiation, and a pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer; then she had genomic testing.

pancreatic cancer patient Judith Glaser
Survivor Stories
December 21, 2017 • 5 Min

Using the Energy Around Me to Help Me Heal

Judith Glaser’s genetic mutation influenced her chemotherapy and radiation treatments, supported by the healing energy of friends.

Pancreatic canc er survivor Carolynn Kiel
Survivor Stories
October 17, 2017 • 3 Min

Early Detection Makes All the Difference

Carolynn Kiel lost her mother and sister to pancreatic cancer. Regular screening allowed early detection of her pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Susan Zbacnik and her husband
Survivor Stories
August 1, 2017 • 6 Min

Taking Nothing For Granted

After Whipple surgery and chemoradiation, Susan Zbacnik had molecular profiling, genetic testing, and joined an Immunotherapy clinical trial.