Familial GI Cancers Unit
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a strong family history of pancreas cancer and I am worried about my risk. Are there any preventive measures I can take?
To date, standard screening recommendations for pancreas cancer do not exist. One of our research studies is looking at the effectiveness of various imaging techniques at being able to detect early stage pancreas growths or pre-cancerous lesions in high risk individuals. To learn more about this screening study, please visit the research section. In the meantime, please discuss your family history of cancer and possible screening options with your family doctor.
I've heard that pancreas cancer is rare. If that is true, what are the odds that I would have two relatives who both passed away from this disease?
Pancreas cancer is not as common as other types of cancer such as breast, colon or lung. In addition, most cases of pancreas cancer are likely random, or sporadic in nature. It is possible that two individuals in a family could both have pancreas cancer as a random occurrence. There may also be common environmental or lifestyle risk factors that may increase the risk for this cancer type in some families. However, it is possible that in some families, there is a hereditary predisposition, or genetic change, that can run in the family, and cause an increased risk for pancreas cancer.
Genetic studies are ongoing to try to identify the gene(s) involved in hereditary pancreatic cancer. If you would like more information regarding this research please visit the research section of this site.
Does smoking increase my risk for pancreas cancer?
Research consistently shows that cigarette smoking is a major risk factor of developing pancreatic cancer. For individuals who have a family history of pancreatic cancer, smoking further increases the risk for this disease compared to non-smokers. More studies are needed to look at the effects of second-hand smoke.
What other factors are associated with an increased risk for pancreas cancer?
More studies are needed to understand the environmental or lifestyle factors that increase the risk for pancreas cancer. In general, increased physical activity and a diet that is high in fibre, fruits and vegetables, and low in fat and meat consumption is recommended. Please see our current and previous newsletters for more information.
Ontario Pancreas Cancer Study Newsletters
Current Newsletter
Previous Newsletters
Is Pancreatic Cancer Inherited?
The majority of pancreas cancer cases are not associated with hereditary factors. Most cases are sporadic, meaning that there is not a specific known risk factor and its occurrence is not always predictable.
In some families, we may see pancreas cancer among relatives who have been diagnosed with other types of cancer such as breast, ovarian, melanoma, or colorectal cancer. Depending on the family history, these combinations of cancers can sometimes be associated with known hereditary forms of cancer for which genetic testing may be available.
In some families, we see a clustering of pancreas cancer. More than one diagnosis of pancreas cancer in a family can occur just by chance. Studies indicate that, in some families, there is likely to be a hereditary form of pancreas cancer. Our team is involved in finding new genes that cause hereditary pancreatic cancer.
If you are concerned about your family history, please discuss this with your physician who can refer you to a cancer genetics centre in your area for more information.
Pancreatic Cancer Research Studies
Ontario Pancreas Cancer Study
Since 2003, the Ontario Pancreas Cancer Study (OPCS) has aimed to identify genetic, environmental, and lifestyle causes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreas cancer. Results from this study will help us understand risk factors, patterns of inheritance, and discover possible genetic and biochemical markers of pancreas cancer. We are also interested in evaluating pancreas cancer screening techniques with the hope that, in the future, this disease may be detected at an early stage. The study identifies and contacts newly diagnosed patients with pancreas cancer from clinics at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Toronto General Hospital. We also accept referrals to participate in our study.
The OPCS obtains information about family history, cancer treatment, and personal history/lifestyle from a questionnaire package that is provided to participants. This study may also involve collecting blood (or saliva), medical records, and any available tissue samples from previous biopsies or surgeries. These samples are used to investigate potential sources of genetic risk of pancreas cancer. Genetic counselling is available to every participant. If there is a family history of cancer, genetic counsellors provide information and make referrals for further genetic assessment and possibly genetic testing when appropriate.
The OPCS team greatly appreciates the participation of everyone involved. If you have any questions or would like to be involved with our research, please contact us at Spring.Holter@uhn.ca. You can also call our toll free number at 1-877-586-1559 and leave a message. We are happy to answer your questions.
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is a gland that lies within the abdomen close to the stomach and duodenum (first part of the small bowel). It is important for making digestive juices and hormones such as insulin. Each year in Canada, cancer of the pancreas affects approximately 4500 individuals. Pancreatic cancer may not be as common as other types of cancer, but unfortunately it contributes to a large proportion of cancer deaths. The chance of developing pancreatic cancer at some point in life is close to 1 in 80, or about 1 per cent. Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur after the age of 50, and it is slightly more common in males than in females.
About the Pancreas Cancer Registry
Our registry has been collecting information about patients who have been affected by pancreatic cancer and their families. To date, we have close to 2000 families enrolled in our registry. Some of these families have one case of pancreatic cancer and others have several family members diagnosed with the disease. Currently, most of our research is based on the more common form of pancreatic cancer — adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
Information from all types of families will contribute to a better understanding of pancreatic cancer. Families which appear to have other hereditary cancer syndromes (i.e., passed on in families) may be referred to specialty registries or a cancer genetics centre locally or abroad.