Family History

Pancreatic cancer can be inherited through your family's genes, but that's not the only risk factor. Learn how family history and genetics play a part in determining who faces a higher risk.

14 Articles

BRCA Mutations and Pancreatic Cancer webinar announcement
Webinars
October 13, 2023 • 2 Min

BRCA Mutations and Pancreatic Cancer

Let’s Win, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and the Basser Center for BRCA teamed up to present a webinar on BRCA mutations and pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Allyson Ocean
Treatments
April 14, 2023 • 5 Min

Who Should Be Screened For Pancreatic Cancer

Who should be screened for pancreatic cancer? Dr. Allyson Ocean explains how genetic mutations and family history factor into screening.

Dr. Michael Goggins
Treatments
January 5, 2023 • 4 Min

Screening Programs Save High-Risk People

Dr. Michael Goggins explains who should undergo regular pancreatic cancer screening and where programs can be found.

Tommy Thompson on his bicycle at Purple Stride
Disease Management
November 10, 2022 • 3 Min

For Tommy Thompson, the Commitment to Pancreatic Cancer Research Is Personal

Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson is an advocate for pancreatic cancer research because he lost both his brothers to the disease.

Dr. Alison Klein, pancreatic cancer researcher
Research
November 7, 2022 • 6 Min

Putting Familial Risk In Perspective

Dr. Alison Klein works to understand the relationship between familial risk and the chances of developing pancreatic cancer.

Webinar, Symptoms and Risks
Webinars
October 28, 2022 • 1 Min

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Moderator Daniel G Garza leads Dr. Rachna Shroff and Dr. Fiyinfolu Balogun in a discussion of risk factors and symptoms of 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.

Dr. Diane Simeone and genetic counselor Jessica Everett
Symptoms
June 8, 2021 • 4 Min

Crafting a Medical Family Tree

Dr. Diane Simeone and genetic counselor Jessica Everett explain why it is important to create a medical family tree for pancreatic cancer.

Image of DNA reading
Symptoms
October 30, 2019 • 5 Min

Studying One Family’s Mutations May Change Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Dr. Sahar Nissim is studying the genetic mutations in one family predisposed to pancreatic cancer, to find new ways to combat the disease.

Hands holding an image of DNA analysis, in blue light.
Treatments
December 1, 2017 • 6 Min

Before You Leap: Genetic Testing for Pancreatic Cancer

Genetic counselor Megan Frone outlines the advantages of genetic testing when there is a family history of pancreatic cancer.

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.

Dr. Diane Simeone
Symptoms
September 29, 2017 • 4 Min

Pancreatic Cancer and Family History

Dr. Diane Simeone is developing a tablet-based family history survey to identify patients with a genetic-based risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

Illustration of DNA double helices in light and medium purple on a dark blue background
Symptoms
July 8, 2016 • 4 Min

Understanding a Family’s Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

A tumor registry studies the genetics of pancreatic cancer to determine risk factors for families.

Why is a family medical history important?

Learn more