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
Relevant for: previvors, In portal: Breast Cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-Low
Study : Do hair dyes or straighteners increase breast cancer risk?
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-Low
Most relevant for: Young women who use hair dye or straighteners
Many women use products to color or straighten their hair. A large U.S. study linked the use of permanent hair dye and straighteners to increased breast cancer risk, particularly among black women. This XRAY reviews the limitations of this study and highlights the need for additional research before accepting these conclusions. (1/29/20)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Women who exercise have lower breast cancer risk whether or not they have a family history of breast cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Young, high risk women
The effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk was looked at in a study of over 15,000 women. The results suggest that exercise lowers breast cancer risk regardless of family history of breast cancer or menopausal status. (12/6/19)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Does eating meat affect breast cancer risk?
Most relevant for: Women with a family history of breast cancer
Eating meat has been suggested to increase breast cancer risk. The recent Sister Study looked at meat type, cooking methods and breast cancer risk in a study of 42,012 women. (9/10/19)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : MRI or mammograms for detecting breast cancer in families with unknown genetic mutations?
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with a personal or family history of cancer where no mutation has been found
MRI and mammograms are used together to detect breast cancer in high-risk women who test positive for a BRCA or other gene mutation that increases the risk for breast cancer. For women with a family history of breast cancer but no known genetic mutation, increased screening is recommended. But what method is best? A recent clinical trial in the Netherlands compared MRI and mammography for this population. (8/15/19)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Diagnosis and treatment delays in young women with breast cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Young women who find a breast lump and young women newly-diagnosed with breast cancer
Young women are more likely to have delays in a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Factors that affect these delays include pregnancy, breastfeeding, financial concerns and having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. (8/5/19)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Guideline : FDA asks Allergan to recall certain textured breast implants
Most relevant for: Women with, or considering breast reconstruction with implants
On July 25, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration requested that breast implant manufacturer Allergan recall its BIOCELL textured implants and expanders due to an association with a rare type of lymphoma called Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or BIA-ALCL. The FDA does not recommend removing implants for people who do not have disease symptoms. This XRAYS review updates information about this FDA recall. (7/29/19)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : LGBTQ patients recommend improvements for their cancer care
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: LGBTQ cancer patients and their healthcare providers.
Very little research has focused on the cancer care experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. This study looks at recommendations from the LGBTQ community for improving their cancer care. (6/20/19)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Personal Story : A young woman's story of genetic testing and risk-reducing mastectomy
Relevance: Medium-High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Young women of color with a BRCA mutation
Alejandra Campoverdi comes from a family with three generations of breast cancer. As a former White House aide and active educator in the Latina community, she has openly shared her story of genetic testing, her BRCA2 mutation and her plans for risk-reducing mastectomy at age 39. (6/6/19)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Do Vitamin B supplements alter breast cancer risk for women with BRCA mutations?
Most relevant for: High risk women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Vitamins are an essential part of our diet. Vitamin supplements are often used to improve general health. This study explores how vitamin B supplements may affect breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations. (5/17/19)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Gaps in information about breast cancer risk and prevention impact African American women
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: African American women who are at high risk for breast cancer
A study showed that African American women with increased breast cancer risk experienced greater burdens in obtaining information at each step compared to white women. Racial differences in preventive choices correlated with differences in information and provider access. (3/14/19)
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