For example, REG4 is a postulated tumour marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma,16 gastric and colorectal cancer,17 EpCAM is a well-known tumour marker associated with many cancers including colorectal, ovarian and breast cancers18 and REG1A has been recently associated with the development of pancreatic cancer.19 Here, REG1A is linked to familial pancreatic carcinoma.