FORCE's eXamining the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
XRAY is a reliable source of hereditary cancer research-related news and information.
Learn more about the XRAY program
All XRAYs
Relevance: Medium
Topic : Impact of new laws on cancer treatment during pregnancy
Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People who have cancer who are pregnant
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that abortion is no longer a protected right under the Constitution. This landmark decision leaves regulation of abortion to the states. Cancer treatment during pregnancy may now be impacted in states that have abortion bans or limitations. (Posted 5/31/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Article : A food lover’s decision to remove her stomach highlights difficult decisions around cancer risk
Most relevant for: People with a CDH1 mutation or a family history of stomach cancer
National Public Radio reporter Sáša Woodruff shares her story of learning about her CDH1 mutation and making a decision about risk-reducing surgery. Mutations in the CDH1 gene significantly increase a person’s risk of stomach and breast cancers. Woodruff’s personal essay describes the psychological challenge of making decisions about risk-reducing surgeries and draws attention to a lesser-known mutation linked to hereditary cancer. (Posted 5/17/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Early removal of ovaries may be linked to small increase in risk of Parkinson’s disease in later life
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Women considering risk-reducing removal of both ovaries
The lifetime risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is low. However, having surgery to remove both ovaries before natural menopause can slightly increase the risk of Parkinson's disease later in life. Researchers studied over 20 years of medical records, which confirmed this small increase in risk, particularly for women who have their ovaries removed before age 43. (Posted 5/3/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Hormonal birth control may reduce ovarian cancer risk in people with BRCA mutations
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are interested in reducing their ovarian cancer risk
Hormonal birth control pill is linked to reduced ovarian cancer among people with an inherited BRCA mutation. Longer-acting forms of birth control given by implant, injection or as an intrauterine device may be associated with lower ovarian cancer risk for people with an inherited BRCA mutation. (Posted 4/28/23)
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Hair straightening products linked to small increased risk of endometrial cancer
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People who use hair straightening products
Many people use products to straighten their hair. Use of these products, especially frequent use, is linked to a small increase in endometrial cancer. (Posted 4/18/23)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Breast cancer outcomes improved with CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer
A study showed that people with metastatic breast cancer who took an oral drug known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor combined with hormone therapy did better than people who took hormone therapy alone. The drug combination improved the length of time before cancer worsened or returned. After six years of treatment, people who took this drug combination lived longer compared to those who took hormone therapy alone. (Posted 4/5/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Most relevant for: People with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 concerned about their breast cancer risk
A study that looked at normal breast cells from women with an inherited BRCA mutation found more DNA damage among women who were overweight (based on a measurement known as body mass index) than those who were not overweight. The results suggest that maintaining a lower weight may reduce breast cancer among this high-risk population. (Posted 3/30/23)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : New oral drug treatment for some advanced breast cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer
The FDA has approved a new oral drug called Oserdu for the treatment of HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. A blood test was also approved to help doctors identify patients who would benefit most from this new treatment. (Posted 3/20/23)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Systemic racism may delay breast biopsy for Black and Asian people
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People who have had an abnormal mammogram
Black and Asian people are more likely to have to wait more than 90 days between an abnormal mammogram and a biopsy compared to white people. After accounting for other factors, the authors conclude that these disparities may be due to systemic racism. (Posted 3/8/23)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Promising early results for treating metastatic prostate cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
The TALAPRO studies looked at how well the oral drug Talzenna (talazoparib) works as a treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The addition of Talzenna to treatment with Xtandi (enzalutamide) increased the time until the cancer got worse or came back (progression-free survival). The greatest benefit was seen in people who had an inherited or tumor mutation in a gene that repairs DNA damage (such as ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2 and others). (Posted 3/1/23)
Update: On June 20, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the combination of Talzenna with Xtandi as an initial treatment for some people with mCRPC for people with inherited or tumor mutations in genes that repair DNA damage.
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