BRCA genes (pancreatic cancer)

What are breast cancer (BRCA 1, BRCA 2) BRCA genes?

BRCA1 (BReast CAncer 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer 2) are tumour suppressor genes. Every person has these BRCA genes. They prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly. If BRCA genes are not functional in some way (mutated), then cells can grow out of control, which can lead to cancer.

A mutation to BRCA genes does not mean you will develop cancer. However, it does mean that your cells ability to repair any DNA damage may be affected by the BRAC 1 and BRAC 2 mutation. This means you are more likely to develop certain cancers.

Why is this important in pancreatic cancer?

BRCA genes mutations are best known for their role in breast and ovarian cancer. However, mutations in these genes are also linked to an increased chance of pancreatic cancer.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 BRCA genes have similar roles but are different genes. BRCA2 is more associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, BRCA2 is the gene most concerned with hereditary pancreatic cancer.

What should you do if you’re worried cancer runs in your family?

Discuss this with your GP; this will involve talking about what members of your family have had cancer, what type they had, and what age they were when they were diagnosed.

If your GP thinks it could be helpful, they may suggest predictive gene testing. If eligible, this is available on the NHS. Currently, there is no specific genetic test for pancreatic cancer, as all of the genes that increase the chance of developing pancreatic cancer have not been discovered yet. Many genes may be involved. Nevertheless, predictive gene testing can be helpful. You may be tested for BRCA1/2 and other genes mutations associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Predictive Gene Testing

Predictive gene testing involves two steps. First, your relative who has cancer/ had cancer will need to have a blood test to reveal if they have a relevant gene mutation. Then, you will need to have a blood test to see if you have the same mutation. When there are no affected relatives available, full testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 may be possible for those with at least a 10% chance of having a faulty gene. This usually means having a very strong family history of early-onset breast and particularly ovarian cancer.  It can take four to eight weeks or longer to get the result.

If you are eligible, having the test is a personal decision.

If there is not a strong history of cancer in your family and the faulty gene has not otherwise been identified in any of your relatives, you will not be eligible for the NHS genetic test. If you are not eligible and are still determined to have the test, you can arrange and pay for private testing. However, the likelihood of you having the BRCA genes mutation is very small, and the test can also be expensive.

What does a positive predictive gene test mean?

If your predictive test is positive, this means you have a gene mutation and that is associated with an increased risk of cancer. It will be explained to you which gene is affected. You will be encouraged and supported to discuss the result with family members and health care professionals.

Research on other gene mutations associated with pancreatic cancer

Research has suggested that there are other gene mutations that increase your chance of having pancreatic cancer. However, this research is still relatively new and there is still much more to discover. As it has been shown that certain gene mutations are involved in pancreatic cancer, if we can carry out more research, it will help us to better understand and test for pancreatic cancer. This could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis.