Is there a link between pancreatic cancer and breast cancer?
Asked November 11, 2010
Is there a link between pancreatic cancer and breast cancer. My mother died of breast cancer and father died of pancreatic cancer. My father had two sister with breast cancer. One died at age 31 and the other got cancer at age 57 and is doing great.
Expert answer
Hi, Yes there is a definite connection between breast and pancreatic cancer. Mutations in the BRCA 1,2 genes account for familial connection between members with cancer. If this is a concern then your living members should be screened for these mutations by a genetic councilor. It does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer but the risk may be higher.
Simeon Jaggernauth, DO.
www.DRJAG.com
Answered November 13, 2010
Hi, Yes there is a definite connection between breast and pancreatic cancer. Mutations in the BRCA 1,2 genes account for familial connection between members with cancer. If this is a concern then your living members should be screened for these mutations by a genetic councilor. It does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer but the risk may be higher.
Simeon Jaggernauth, DO.
www.DRJAG.com
Answered November 13, 2010
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