@letswinpc @jennamacinnis @PanCAN Importantly, genetic counseling and testing has become much less expensive and is frequently covered by insurance. Fear of the cost should not prevent individuals from considering counseling as it frequently it can be done in an affordable manner for most patients.

A10. (2 of 2) However, further data are needed to show that detecting these cancers by screening is associated with improved survival. #PancChat

A10. (1 of 2) Several recent studies DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2015.64.0730; DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.05.035; has suggested that screen detected hereditary pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage then have been historically seen. #PancChat

A8. (2 of 2) The specific age that is right for a particular individual is best determined in a collaborative approach between the pancreatic cancer screening team, the genetic professional and the individual patient. #PancChat

A8. (1 of 2) The age depends upon what type of familial or hereditary risk you have. Individuals with STK11 mutations should consider screening starting at 30-35. Individuals with BRCA2 mutations and a family history, generally should consider screening at age 50. #PancChat

A7. If you are at increased risk due to either genetic testing or family history, you should have a consultation at an experienced center to discuss the pros and cons of screening, and if you do decide to screen, the specific approach that makes the most sense for you. #PancChat

A6. (2 of 2) If you have close relatives (parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces or nephews) with any of these diagnoses, cancer risk assessment by a genetic counselor can help determine if you are at increased risk. #PancChat.

A6. (1 of 2) The best way to do this is looking at your personal + family history of cancer. Cancers that can be linked to increased risk of pancreatic ca include: breast cancer before age 60; ovarian, pancreatic or metastatic prostate cancer at any age; and melanoma. #PancChat

@drallysonocean Generally we recommend genetic counseling, with consideration of genetic testing, in the late teens or early 20's. #PancChat

A5. Similar to patients with pancreatic cancer, the best way for unaffected individuals with a family history to determine if they are at increased risk is through a genetic risk assessment conducted by a genetic counselor or other similar medical professional. #PancChat

A4: (3 of 3) The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has recommended this type of evaluation for all patients with pancreatic cancer since July 2018. #PancChat

A4: (2 of 3) This assessment will generally include: a) a detailed evaluation of a patient’s personal and family history; b) a discussion of the role of genetic testing for inherited causes of pancreatic cancer. #PancChat

A4: (1 of 3) The best way to determine if a patient has familial or inherited pancreatic cancer is through a genetic risk assessment conducted by a genetic counselor or other medical professional with expertise in cancer genetics. #PancChat

@heatherahannon Yes, the risk is higher if your relative had pancreatic cancer at a younger age. #PancChat

A3. It is estimated that approximately 5-10% of pancreatic cancers are either familial or due to heritable cancer predisposition genes. #PancChat

A1.(3 of 3) Familial pancreatic cancer is an increased occurrence of panc cancer in a family that is the result of multiple shared genetic and environmental exposures. This is defined as families with 2 first-degree relatives with panc cancer and no known genetic cause. #PancChat

A1. (2 of 3) We think of hereditary pancreatic cancer as being caused by a single inherited change that overwhelms the other risk factors, such as pancreatic cancer associated with inherited STK11 mutations, which cause > than a 100 fold increased risk of panc cancer. #PancChat

A1. (1 of 3) All pancreatic cancer is the result of a complex interplay of inherited genetic factors, environmental exposures and random chance. #PancChat

Welcome Jeff! Excited to have you join us!