It also appears your family history of the disease may indeed play a role. In fact, certain abnormal genes that are passed from parents to children may account for about 10% of all pancreatic cancers. A number of such genes and gene mutations can increase your risk, even if they are better known for causing other cancers. These include genes linked to:
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Hereditary pancreatitis.
Hereditary colorectal cancer.
Hereditary melanoma.
Certain genetic syndromes can also raise your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, scientists still don’t know the exact genetic defect in most people with a family history of the disease.