Genetic screening for pancreatic cancer can reveal if you're at increased risk, often before symptoms appear. Take control early.
Symptoms often appear late when surgery is no longer an option according to the WHO.
inherited mutations (like BRCA2, CDKN2A, PALB2) account for about 10% of pancreatic cancers.
Survival rates in the UK are as low as 7.3% which is lower than the global average of ~12%.
Yearly, the number of deaths from this type of cancer are around 10,000.
Disclaimer! The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Pancreatic cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the pancreas grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells can form a lump or tumour and may, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that helps with digestion and regulates blood sugar by producing hormones like insulin.
Most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts of the pancreas (known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma), but they can also start in the hormone-producing cells. Pancreatic cancer often develops without early warning signs, which can make it difficult to detect in the early stages. Like many cancers, early detection can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.
If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, or related cancers such as breast, ovarian, prostate, or melanoma, you may want to consider pancreatic cancer genetic testing. Inherited changes (mutations) in genes such as BRCA2, BRCA1, PALB2, CDKN2A, and ATM can significantly raise the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Testing can help you find out whether you carry one of these mutations, offering important information for your future health and your family's.
You might be at higher risk if you have two or more close relatives who have had pancreatic cancer, if someone in your family was diagnosed at a young age (under 50), or if there is a known inherited condition like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) or Lynch syndrome. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are also at increased risk for certain inherited mutations. Research suggests that about 5-10% of pancreatic cancers are linked to inherited genetic changes. Understanding your genetic risk can open the door to earlier monitoring, preventative options, and personalised care plans.
These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, but if they are new, persistent, or worsening, it is important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis can improve treatment options and outcomes. In such cases, genetic screening for pancreatic cancer may be recommended as part of a broader monitoring approach.
Pancreatic cancer can be caused by a combination of factors, including age (most cases occur in people over 65), smoking, obesity, diabetes, and family history. In many cases, no single cause can be identified.
Inherited genetic mutations account for about 5-10% of pancreatic cancers. Mutations in genes such as BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, and others significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing the disease. Genetic testing can identify these inherited risks early, giving you and your healthcare team the information needed to plan regular monitoring and possible preventative measures.
There are currently no routine screening programmes for pancreatic cancer in the general population. However, if you are at higher inherited risk, specialised screening may be recommended. This can include imaging tests like MRI scans, endoscopic ultrasounds (EUS), and blood tests for tumour markers such as CA19-9.
If you are concerned about a family history of pancreatic cancer, genetic testing can help identify mutations associated with increased risk. Knowing your genetic status allows for earlier intervention and tailored monitoring to help catch cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumour. Surgery to remove the tumour is often the preferred option where possible, sometimes combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to improve outcomes.
For individuals with inherited genetic mutations, treatment options may also include targeted therapies that specifically exploit weaknesses in cancer cells with certain genetic changes, such as PARP inhibitors for BRCA-related cancers. Your care team will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan, focusing on achieving the best possible outcomes while maintaining quality of life.
We offer expert advice and testing for a range of genes that may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
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Some blood tests, like CA 19-9, may detect signs of pancreatic cancer, but they’re often not reliable for early detection.
That’s where preventative genetic testing can help. Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA2, PALB2, and ATM can increase your risk, even before symptoms appear. Jeen’s at-home DNA test checks for these changes and provides expert guidance, so you can take informed, proactive steps for your health.
At Jeen, private genetic testing for pancreatic cancer costs £660. This includes a high-quality at-home DNA test, lab analysis using clinical-grade sequencing, and a full genetic counselling with one of our expert counsellors.
The test analyses 50 carefully chosen genes, each backed by strong scientific evidence linked to prostate cancer risk. There are no hidden fees, just clear, trusted results and personalised guidance to help you understand your risk and take control of your health.
One of the strongest predictors of pancreatic cancer is carrying inherited gene mutations. Changes in genes like BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, CDKN2A, and STK11 can significantly increase your risk, even without symptoms or a clear family history.
Jeen’s at-home genetic test screens for these key genes using clinical-grade technology, giving you clear answers and expert support to take proactive steps early.
Genetic testing can reveal your inherited risk for pancreatic cancer at any stage, even years before symptoms appear. Because mutations like BRCA2, PALB2, or ATM are present from birth, testing offers an early opportunity to plan ahead.
At Jeen, our at-home test screens 50 clinically relevant genes, helping you take proactive steps like enhanced screening or prevention, long before cancer has a chance to develop.
With Jeen, you’ll have direct access to genetic counsellors who specialise in cancer risk, no waiting lists or referrals needed.
From understanding if testing is right for you to explaining your results, we’re with you every step of the way. And if you need ongoing care, we can help connect you to trusted specialists. It’s personalised, clear, and built around you.
Several inherited gene mutations are linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. These include BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, CDKN2A, and STK11. Some of these genes are also linked to breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer.
At Jeen, our at-home genetic test screens for key inherited changes across multiple cancer-related genes, giving you clear insights into your risk and helping you take action early, with expert support at every step.
If you're in London, you can access private pancreatic cancer genetic testing in the UK with Jeen, all from home. We send you a high-quality cheek swab kit, and your DNA is analysed in a certified US lab using clinical-grade sequencing.
Our expert genetic counsellors guide you through your results and next steps. Whether you're in central London or beyond, Jeen offers trusted, convenient testing with clear, personalised support.
At Jeen your results are typically ready within four weeks. After you complete your at-home buccal swab and return it, your sample is analysed using advanced 50x sequencing in a certified lab.
Once your results are ready, you’ll have a one-to-one consultation with a genetic counsellor to explain what the results mean and help plan your next steps, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Yes, a strong family history of pancreatic cancer, especially if diagnosed young or in multiple relatives, is a key reason to consider testing. You should also watch for symptoms like persistent abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, or new-onset diabetes. At Jeen, our at-home genetic test makes it easy to uncover inherited risks, with expert support to guide your next steps.
Yes, genetic testing for pancreatic cancer is absolutely worth it, especially if you have a family history or want to understand your risk early. Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, and others can significantly increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, even if you have no symptoms.
These same genetic mutations are often linked to other cancers as well, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma cancer. At Jeen, our at-home DNA test provides accurate insights across multiple cancer types, with expert guidance to help you take proactive steps before cancer has a chance to develop.
Our team of expert Genetic Counsellors is here to help. Whether you're curious about testing, your results, or what’s right for you — we're just a message away.
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