Pancreatic Cancer UK, in partnership with NHS England (NHSE), has introduced a new risk checker tool to aid earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, particularly for individuals with a family history of the disease. The tool, called the Family History Checker, is aimed at helping people assess their risk of inheriting pancreatic cancer, as approximately one in ten cases are hereditary.
NHSE has contributed £100,000 to this initiative as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about inherited cancer risks and direct individuals to the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Familial Pancreatic Cancer (EUROPAC). EUROPAC is a surveillance program that monitors individuals at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer due to hereditary factors.
To qualify as having an inherited risk of pancreatic cancer, a person must meet at least one of the following criteria:
– More than one relative with pancreatic cancer on the same side of the family
– A family history of a genetic condition linked to pancreatic cancer, with at least one confirmed case in the family
– A diagnosis of hereditary pancreatitis
EUROPAC, which has been operating since 1997 and is funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK, maintains a registry of individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer or hereditary pancreatitis. Those referred to the program undergo regular monitoring to detect any early changes in the pancreas, allowing for timely intervention.
A recent survey conducted by Pancreatic Cancer UK highlighted gaps in the awareness of hereditary risk among healthcare providers. Of 1,000 GPs surveyed, 66% were aware of the hereditary risks associated with pancreatic cancer, but only 10% knew the appropriate referral pathway for high-risk patients.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with around 10,500 people diagnosed annually in the UK. Unfortunately, 80% of these cases are diagnosed in the late stages, when treatment options are limited. Due to non-specific symptoms like back pain, indigestion, and unexpected weight loss, early detection is often missed, resulting in a very low survival rate. More than half of those diagnosed die within three months.
Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, emphasized the importance of the new tool: “We are proud to be supported by NHS England in this project, which will help identify those most at risk and alleviate anxiety around inherited pancreatic cancer.”
Professor Peter Johnson, NHSE’s national clinical cancer director, added: “The Family History Checker will enable the NHS to better identify and support individuals at risk of pancreatic cancer, offering them timely surveillance and care.”
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