Genetic Testing For Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 8.3% of all cancer deaths in 2023. Multiple genetic syndromes are associated with an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, and approximately 10% to 15% of patients with pancreatic cancer are thought to have a hereditary susceptibility to the disease. Germline genetic testing for pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes is proposed to guide treatment decisions in patients with pancreatic cancer, and to inform decisions about surveillance in asymptomatic patients at high risk of pancreatic cancer.