Comprehensive Cancer Centers concurs with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s recommendation of genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients.
Cancer Genetic Counseling is an integral part of Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ services, with testing that helps people get ahead of potential health issues. The earlier a health issue is found, the more options there are for treatment, with those early treatments usually being more successful than treatments started after a late diagnosis. For those with cancer, including pancreatic cancer, genetic screening can also be helpful in finding roadmaps for treatments that may not be initially considered but can be of great benefit to patients.
For health issues, there are few more challenging than pancreatic cancer, making screenings for the disease crucial. With that in mind, Comprehensive Cancer Centers concurs with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) recommendation of genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients. This is advised to help determine the best course of treatment, as well as to learn if the cancer is hereditary. Genetic testing and risk assessment can lead to improved, targeted treatments for patients with an inherited gene mutation, and to increased surveillance and specialized care for relatives at risk.
Genetic testing uses medical tests to determine if there are mutations in a person’s genes, to identify any gene changes linked to cancer. Cancer genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who work closely with families to identify a genetic cause to a particular disease in a family. Genetic counselors review data from medical tests and collect a family health history to evaluate a family’s risk of a potential medical condition.
A cancer genetic counselor can help provide risk assessment, facilitate the ordering of genetic testing, interpret genetic tests, navigate treatment options and cancer prevention strategies, as well as provide emotional support. Genetic testing and counseling can lead to changes in medical management that can reduce the chance of developing cancer or lead to increased surveillance for cancer with the goal of detecting cancer earlier when treatment options and outcomes are better.
When to Consider Cancer Genetic Counseling
As noted, cancer genetic counseling can be done in advance of a cancer, or any other, health diagnoses. Individuals should consider genetic counseling and testing if they are a first-degree relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, as well as if any of the following factors are at play:
- Two first-degree relatives (such as a parent, child or siblings) with a history of pancreatic cancer
- One first or second degree relative with pancreatic cancer and a family history of other cancers
- Multiple family members with pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic cancer in two or more generations on the same side of the family
- Early onset of pancreatic cancer (younger than 50 years old)
- Diagnosis of more than one primary cancer in the same person
There are many genes that are known to increase risk of developing pancreatic cancer and other cancers if you carry an inherited mutation. Some of these genes include the following:
- PRSS1: inherited mutations in this gene cause hereditary pancreatitis.
- There are also other genes that are known to cause hereditary pancreatitis: BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM, MSH6, APC, STK11, and CDKN2A.
If you carry an inherited mutation in one of these genes, you should speak to the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers and make changes to your medical management. This includes screening and surveillance recommended to reduce your chances of developing cancer. These genes each have a different risk profile and different cancer risks depending on the individual gene.
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer or having an inherited mutation in one of the hereditary cancer predisposition genes listed above, does not mean that you will develop the disease. Knowing the risk and symptoms can lead to an early diagnosis, and better outcomes. As everyone is different, Comprehensive’s Cancer Genetic Counseling team is here to help navigate risks, as well as provide a diagnosis when present.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
In addition to cancer genetic counselors, physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for pancreatic cancer and other inherited cancers including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and world-class clinical research. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
