rs1818613: Understanding Genetic Associations with Pancreatic Cancer
The genetic variant rs1818613 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in an intergenic region of the human genome. Research has identified this variant as being associated with the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, with evidence suggesting that smoking status may modify the risk conferred by this specific locus.
What each genotype means
Variable pancreatic cancer risk
Research indicates that this variant's association with pancreatic cancer risk is significantly modified by smoking status. In individuals who are current smokers, this genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers. Please discuss your overall health and cancer risk factors with your healthcare provider.
The frequency of this genotype varies by ancestry and is commonly observed in populations of European descent.
Variable pancreatic cancer risk
Research indicates that this variant's association with pancreatic cancer risk is significantly modified by smoking status. In individuals who are current smokers, this genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers. Please discuss your overall health and cancer risk factors with your healthcare provider.
The frequency of this genotype varies by ancestry and is commonly observed in populations of European descent.
Variable pancreatic cancer risk
Research indicates that this variant's association with pancreatic cancer risk is significantly modified by smoking status. In individuals who are current smokers, this genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers. Please discuss your overall health and cancer risk factors with your healthcare provider.
The frequency of this genotype varies by ancestry and is commonly observed in populations of European descent.
What is rs1818613?
A single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. The variant rs1818613 is located in an intergenic region, meaning it sits in the DNA sequence between known genes rather than within a gene that codes for a protein. Because it is intergenic, it does not directly alter the structure of a protein. Instead, researchers investigate such variants to see if they influence how nearby genes are regulated or expressed. In the context of complex diseases like cancer, these non-coding variants are often the focus of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which look for statistical correlations between specific DNA markers and health outcomes across large populations.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between rs1818613 and pancreatic cancer is categorized as having limited evidence. While some studies have identified this locus as a potential susceptibility factor, the biological mechanisms linking this specific intergenic region to pancreatic tumor development remain under investigation. A key finding in the literature is that the risk associated with certain genetic loci for pancreatic cancer can be modified by environmental factors, most notably cigarette smoking. This suggests that the genetic influence of rs1818613 might not be uniform across all individuals but could depend on a person's smoking history. Because the evidence is currently limited, it is important to view these findings as statistical associations rather than definitive predictors of disease.
Population Frequency and Variability
The frequency of the alleles at the rs1818613 locus is known to be variable across different human populations. Genetic variants often show distinct distribution patterns depending on ancestral background, which is a common observation in large-scale genomic databases. Because the prevalence of both the variant and the associated risk can differ significantly between groups, findings from one population may not always be directly applicable to another. Researchers use data from projects like the 1000 Genomes Project and gnomAD to track these frequencies. Understanding this variability is crucial for scientists as they work to replicate initial findings in diverse, multiethnic cohorts to determine if the association with pancreatic cancer holds true globally or is specific to certain ancestral groups.
Interpreting Genetic Information
It is essential to understand that having a specific genotype at the rs1818613 locus does not mean an individual will develop pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including smoking, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Genetic associations identified in research studies are meant to help scientists understand the biological pathways of disease, not to provide individual medical diagnoses. If you are concerned about your personal risk for pancreatic cancer, the most effective approach is to consult with a healthcare professional or a genetic counselor. They can evaluate your family history and lifestyle factors to provide personalized guidance, rather than relying on isolated genetic data.
How common is this variant?
The frequency of the rs1818613 variant is variable across different global populations, with specific allele distributions documented in databases like gnomAD.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs1818613 variant mean I will get cancer?
No. Genetic variants like rs1818613 are associated with statistical risk, not certainty. Most people with a specific genotype will never develop the condition, as cancer is influenced by many factors.
How does smoking affect the risk associated with this SNP?
Research suggests that smoking may modify the risk conferred by certain genetic loci. This means the interaction between your genes and environmental exposures like smoking can change the overall risk profile.
Where can I get tested for this variant?
While some direct-to-consumer genetic tests include various SNPs, this variant is not typically used for clinical screening. If you have concerns about cancer risk, speak with a doctor about clinical screening options.
What should I do if I have a 'higher-attention' genotype?
A 'higher-attention' label refers to research findings, not a medical diagnosis. Focus on established healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, and discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/28/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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