We kick off Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month with a personal story from “Yellowstone” actress and PanCAN ambassador Jen Landon as part of our “Talk. Test. Take Control.” campaign. All month we will share stories and blogs emphasizing the importance of having a conversation about genetic and biomarker testing for pancreatic cancer patients and families.
She was only 7 years old.
But Jen Landon’s memories of her dad’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis and death are still vivid today.
“It was lonely. It was a very isolating experience. Seeing my dad sick, I think that really changed me as a kid – and as an adult. You immediately grow up when you are physically stronger and more able-bodied than your parents.”
Michael Landon was adored worldwide and best known for his roles on popular TV shows like “Bonanza,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “Highway to Heaven.”
For Michael, his family and children took center stage. Jen and her brother Sean were the youngest of Michael’s nine children.
“When I think about my dad, I remember him being incredibly playful,” Jen said. “He was very interested in making things as interesting as possible for me, which is a great quality to have in a parent when you’re a kid.”
As an adult, when Jennifer began to have some health issues of her own, she made the decision to have genetic testing to see if she had a familial link to pancreatic cancer.
“It was important to me to take control of my health,” Jen said.
Having a first-degree relative (a parent, child or sibling) with pancreatic cancer can increase familial risk. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends genetic testing, which involves a blood or saliva sample, if the person in the family with pancreatic cancer was found to have a genetic mutation, didn’t have testing done, or if family members are not sure if the results were positive for a genetic link.
Jen’s test results did not show a genetic link to pancreatic cancer.
She understands that testing is a way that families can take control in the fight against pancreatic cancer, and she is helping PanCAN spread that message this November during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
“Testing is about advocating for yourself,” she said. “The more you know, the more you can take power back. And that is so important with this disease.”