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

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.

pancreatic cancer survivor Sharon Simone
Survivor Stories
March 28, 2017 • 4 Min

Tailoring My Treatment to My Tumor Genetics

After diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, Sharon Simone had her tumor analyzed. The report on her tumor genetics determined her treatment.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rona Greenberg and her daughters
Survivor Stories
August 15, 2016 • 5 Min

The Impact of BRCA Is Broader Than Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Rona Greenberg discusses the impact of BRCA2 on her family, and her search for the best clinical trial for her needs after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Large rolled hay bale sitting in the center of a field with green mountains in the background
Survivor Stories
May 18, 2016 • 3 Min

Understanding Family History Makes a Difference in Treatment Options

Elizabeth Pršić describes her mother Andrea’s pancreatic cancer treatment. Andrea has the BRCA2 mutation, which helps determine the plan.

Rock layers in pink, white, light brown, and yellow
Survivor Stories
April 4, 2016 • 3 Min

Personalized Treatment Plans in the Fight Against PC

David Dessert explains that his aunt’s genetic testing for BRCA2 mutation directed his own treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dr. Sharon Seibel
Survivor Stories
April 3, 2016 • 4 Min

My BRCA2 Mutation Turned Out to Be Both the Curse and the Cure

Sharon Seibel knew she had the BRCA2 mutation but was unaware of the link to pancreatic cancer. Her chemotherapy was one for BRCA carriers.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Howard Ebert and his family
Survivor Stories
April 2, 2016 • 2 Min

A 10-Year Survivor’s Story

Howard Ebert, a 10-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, describes his treatment. He underwent surgery and then chemotherapy and radiation.