Increased Jewish Risk
of Pancreatic Cancer
Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have an anemic 6% chance of surviving 5 years. Average life expectancy is 3 to 9 months. Those are horrible statistics. Currently there is no therapy that will cure this dreadful disease. Outcomes are bleak because there is no screening test for cancer of the pancreas. By the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other organs making effective treatment very difficult.
Many studies confirm definite risk factors that cumulatively will escalate the risks of contracting cancer of the pancreas. Some risk factors are within our control such as healthy lifestyles including smoking, diet, and exercise. Other factors are inherent such as family history, race, gender, heritage, and aging.
Men are at greater risk than women. Blacks are more vulnerable than are whites. Reasons are not so clear. What is crystal clear is the conclusion that patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer are at significantly greater risk. An individual that is predisposed to "familial pancreatic cancer" is defined as someone that has two close relatives whom have previously developed cancer of the pancreas.
It is a genetic inheriting issue that can adversely effect any family regardless of race.
The Ashkenazic Jewish Heritage Factor
Medical research experts have discovered that some groups are at greater risk of "familial pancreatic cancer" than the general population. Ashkenazi Jews, also known as "Ashkenzic" or "Ashkenazim" are descended from Eastern Europe, primarily from the Germany regions. It is important to note the Ashkenazic Jews are predisposed genetically to other diseases besides pancreatic cancer.
The Sol Goldman Cancer Research Center at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is continually researching and has made significant inroads into deciphering genetic roots as it relates to pancreatic cancer. The unique ancestry of Ashkenazic Jews is well-suited for continuing genetic studies useful in tracking genetic mutation.
The Sol Goldman Cancer Research Center has established a national registry with a dedicated focus on tracing familial patterns that identify inherited genetic mutations. They attempt to specifically isolate genetic mutations that are responsible for the development of pancreatic cancer within races and heritage. They maintain a sub-registry for Ashkenazin Jews since there is a higher incidence rate among that heritage group.
Other Informative Sources
