Pancreatic Cancer Comes With Little Warning.

It’s important to know your risk because most symptoms of pancreatic cancer do not appear until the tumor has grown large enough to interfere with the function of the pancreas, early detection is critical to increase survival rates. Therefore, early detection of pancreatic cancer is absolutely critical and increases survival rates for this deadly disease.

We want to empower you with the tools and information you need to be proactive about your health through education, guidance, and support.

So what can you do? It starts with knowing your risk: your family history and genetic risk factors.

Understanding Genetic Risk

Meeting with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider who specializes in cancer genetics is one of the best ways to better know your risk for pancreatic cancer. They can review your personal and family history, determine whether genetic testing may be helpful, and discuss prevention and early detection strategies.

If pancreatic cancer runs in your family, bringing previous genetic testing results or pathology reports to your appointment can help provide a clearer risk assessment.

To help you prepare, we partnered with former clinical cancer genetic counselor and educator, Dena Goldberg, MS, LCGC, to create a worksheet for gathering important family medical history information.

Download the Worksheet

Additional Risk Factors

Beyond a family history of pancreatic cancer, there are other factors that may increase your risk. These include:

Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Family history of genetic syndromes, including but not limited to:
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation)
- Lynch Syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM gene mutation)
- Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM Syndrome) (CDKN2A gene mutation)
- PALB2 gene mutation
- Peutz Jegher Syndrome (STK11 gene mutation

Recognizing Symptoms

While genetic factors can increase risk, anyone can be impacted. See a doctor if you experience any of the following:

Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back
Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
Depression
New-onset diabetes
Blood clots
Fatigue
Jaundice of skin or eyes

When it comes to your health, you need to be proactive personally. Start today by learning your family’s medical history and take steps toward early detection now. If you have questions, or would like further information, please contact us via email or at 773.989.1108.

ROLFE PANCREATIC CANCER FOUNDATION

Alyssa Weiner, YPB Member

Corey Goldberg, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Advocate

Dr. Alex Muir, Assistant Professor of Ben May Department of Cancer Research, University of Chicago

Whitney Goldin, Rolfe Board Member

Annie Betti, Rolfe Community Member

Know Your Risk