Pancreatic Cancer Center

Screenings have positively impacted the early diagnosis and treatment planning for cancer. However, some cancers remain elusive, evading attempts to develop equally effective screening approaches. One of those is pancreas cancer.

Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Dallas is at the forefront of developing an effective screening through the Pancreatic Cancer Familial Risk Assessment Program, which can help answer patients’ questions, such as:

• What is my level of risk for developing pancreatic cancer?
• What about the risk to my family members?
• How is testing for inherited forms of cancer helpful?

The evaluation process begins with a consultation with a genetic counselor to discuss the individual’s personal and family history. During the genetic counseling session, information is provided on the risk to develop cancer, surveillance and early detection options, genetic testing, as well as some prevention strategies and treatment options. Further testing can include diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures and will be discussed during the initial consultation. If abnormalities are found during the initial evaluation, additional diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures may be ordered.

Individuals who meet any or some of the following criteria are candidates for the Pancreatic Cancer Familial Risk Assessment:

• Personal history of pancreas cancer diagnosed at a young age
• Two or more blood relatives with pancreatic cancer including one fist-degree relative (sibling, parent, child)
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (STK11 gene mutation)
• Hereditary pancreatitis
• BRCA 1 & 2 mutations with a family history of pancreas cancer
• PALS2 gene mutation
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 gene mutation)
• Lynch Syndrome with a family history of pancreatic cancer (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PM52, EPCAM gene mutations)
• Familial Atypical Multiple Mole and Melanoma syndrome (CDKN2A gene mutation)