My dad died of pancreatic cancer three years ago and I’m wondering if that increases my risk of developing it?

In order to be concerned about the familial form of pancreatic cancer, one needs at least two to three first-degree relatives to have had pancreatic, breast, ovarian or another related cancer (e.g., melanoma). Typically, unless a person has had two to three first-degree relatives diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, then it is usually the predominant form of pancreatic cancer, the sporadic form.

Jonathan R. Brody, PhD
Thomas Jefferson University
Jefferson Medical College
Department of Surgery
Division of Surgical Research
Assistant Professor

Director of Surgical Research
Member, Kimmel Cancer Center