Screening for pancreatic cancer detects early-stage disease and improves survival in high risk individuals

A clinical trial research study has shown that screening for pancreatic cancer in people with an inherited mutation or family history was able to detect early-stage pancreatic cancers and improve survival. These results will likely change pancreatic cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals, including people with inherited BRCA mutations.

The research demonstrates that if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or an inherited mutation that increases your risk, you may benefit from pancreatic cancer screening. Annual screening with MRI and/or endoscopic ultrasound may detect precancerous or early-stage disease when it is most treatable.

If you do not know if you have an inherited mutation, genetic testing might help you decide if screening for pancreatic cancer is right for you.

Deciding at what age to begin screening depends on your family history and which inherited mutation you carry. Ask your doctor or a genetic counselor about your risk of pancreatic cancer and other cancers, given your personal and family history.

Read more about this study here.