United States: Pancreatic Cancer is believed to be the one that kills over ninety-five percent of all those diagnosed within the span of five years since diagnosis.
A Charity Pancreatic Cancer UK, in association with NHS England, has launched The Family History Checker, which is an online tool providing a platform to people for assessing their genetic risk of pancreatic cancer.
More about the news
As per the reports, one in ten cases of the disease are said to be caused by genes, hence increasing a person’s chance of developing this cancer.
Therefore, those who would be diagnosed at a direct risk of developing cancer would then be directed to consult a specialist, as Dailymail reported.
After confirmation of the imminent cancer risk, he/she would be referred for annual cancer monitoring, which includes blood tests and scans.
Hence, the experts believe that detection and initiation of treatment at an early stage would help the patient to better curb the condition.
More about Family History Checker
As per the reports, in Family History Checker, persons would be asked for details regarding the family background of encounters with the diseases, as well other genetic disorders, which may have a link with the higher risk of development of cancer.
According to the Pancreatic Cancer UK chief executive Diana Jupp, it’s hopeful that the tool would be useful by not only reassuring people of their link with the risk, which would ultimately save more lives.
She said, ‘Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease, and once someone in your family has been affected, it’s hard not to become fearful for yourself and others in your life,’ as Daily Mail reported.
‘We are so proud to be supported by NHS England on this project, which will help alleviate anxiety around the inherited risk of the disease and identify the people who most need regular monitoring.” she added.
Therefore, “It is now vital that as many people as possible use the Family History Checker so that everyone who should be referred for regular monitoring is found.
“The earlier pancreatic cancer is spotted, the more likely it is that people will be able to have lifesaving treatment. By reaching more people, lives could be saved,” she continued.
What more have the experts stated?
According to Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, “This new Family History Checker is a great tool for families where someone has had pancreatic cancer and will help the NHS to identify and support people at risk from it.”
“I know it can be daunting to find out if you are at risk of pancreatic cancer, and some people may feel they’d rather not know, but finding out early means people can get the support they need from the NHS,” Johnson added, as Dailymail reported.