Scientists believe the discovery of a genetic link to a rare form of cancer could eventually lead to earlier detection and better treatments.
The researchers made the finding while examining the onset of a rare form of pancreatic cancer.
Using whole genome sequence, researchers found as many as one in five patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) had a clear genetic predisposition for their cancers, even though they had no family history of the disease.
This means that even without a family history of cancer, a person could still potentially carry a faulty gene that may increase their risk of developing this tumour.
Study co-leader Professor Sean Grimmond, the University of Melbourne's Bertalli Chair of Cancer Medicine, told SBS News the researchers were surprised to find similarities between the genetic drivers of PanNETS and other cancers.
"We do know that there (are) some genes that if [they are found] in your DNA, it will predispose you - maybe about 5 per cent of these sorts of tumours typically - but we found, surprisingly, that some of the genes we'd normally associate with breast cancer risk or colon cancer risk are actively playing a role in this disease as well," he said.
PanNETs account for about 2 per cent of the 3000 cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Australia each year.
Marty Hankin, 46, was diagnosed with the rare form of pancreatic cancer in July 2013 and had invasive surgery to remove half his pancreas.
He told SBS News he has managed to beat the disease so far.
"I get annual checks, blood tests, CT scans every year and so far all good news and yeah, I just live life with half a pancreas now."
The discovery that some people are carrying a gene that predisposes them to this rare form of pancreatic cancer opens up the possibility of earlier detection and more focused treatments.
Mr Hankin's wife Wendy welcomes the findings and the potential for early detection.
"Any sort of testing that they can get out there would be just fantastic for this type of cancer because it is a silent killer."
More than three years after his diagnosis, Mr Hankin said he takes nothing for granted and joked about living long enough to see his beloved Collingwood Football Club win another AFL premiership.
"Yeah, I don't know whether I'll be alive that long but yeah, exactly right, just got the time to spend with my wife Wendy and my boy, Josh."
-With AAP
