New test reveals your risk of pancreatic cancer — here’s how to take it

A new online tool allows people who have lost family to pancreatic cancer to check their risk of developing the deadly disease.

Infamous for subtle symptoms that are often only detected at a late stage, pancreatic cancer kills almost 10,000 people in the UK each year — the equivalent of about one person every hour.

It kills over 95 per cent of patients within five years of their diagnosis – the worst survival rate of all cancers – but now a new test hopes to change all of that.

Developed by Pancreatic Cancer UK and backed by the NHS, the Family History Checker helps to identify those with an inherited risk of pancreatic cancer and refer them for regular monitoring.

It is hoped this will increase the chances of catching the disease early, boosting people’s chances of survival.

People using the tool will be asked questions about their family history of pancreatic cancer, as well as other genetic conditions associated with the disease and pancreatitis.

The results will help to identify who should be referred for further risk assessment and monitoring.

A rapid killer

Rachel Smith, 42, who lost her brother to pancreatic cancer and saw her father battle the disease, has welcomed the tool.

Her father Michael was diagnosed in 2017 just before he turned 65.

He was initially told the disease was terminal, but fortunately a specialist from another hospital reviewed the case and he soon had a 12-hour surgery that saved his life.

Three years later, Rachel’s brother, Jim, was diagnosed with the same cancer at the age of 43.

Sadly delays caused by the Covid pandemic meant his cancer went from potentially operable to inoperable. He died just eight months after diagnosis.

Following Jim’s death, Rachel asked about genetic testing and has since received an annual blood test to ensure that if she does develop the disease it’s spotted early.

She said: ‘Being invited for a yearly check-in is reassuring, and it’s good to know these programmes are in place for the next generation, for Jim’s children and mine.

‘Jim was diagnosed at the age of 43 – if he had been on a surveillance programme, maybe the changes in his pancreas would have been noticed earlier.

‘Getting those at most risk on to these programmes as early as possible will make a huge difference. There is simply nothing that can be done if it’s too late.’

What are the risk factors?

Many of the potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer are unclear, but evidence suggests that age, smoking and being overweight or obese can increase the risk, as can a family history of the disease, pancreatitis and diabetes.

Other factors that some evidence has shown increase the risk include alcohol, red and processed meat and gallstones.

Rates of pancreatic cancer have spiked in the UK by almost 17 per cent since the 90s, with rocketing obesity levels suspected to be the cause.

Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said it is vital that as many people as possible use the Family History Checker.

‘The earlier pancreatic cancer is spotted, the more likely it is that people will be able to have lifesaving treatment. By reaching more people, lives could be saved,’ she added.

Some 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, and research suggests one in 10 cases are inherited.

More than than half of those diagnosed die within three months.

According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, around 80% of people with the disease are not being diagnosed until later stages when treatment that could cure the person is no longer possible.

An organisation called the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Familial Pancreatic Cancer (EUROPAC) will review the cases referred by the checker and identify who should receive annual monitoring.

NHS England, supported by Pancreatic Cancer UK, investing £100,000 in The Family History Checker.

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