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
Categories Side Effects
Relevance: Medium-Low
Strength of Science: Low
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Breast cancer implant study suggests links with illness but has serious flaws
Relevance: Medium-Low
Strength of Science: Low
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Women with or considering breast implant reconstruction
THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED: In October 2021, the FDA issued guidance for people with breast implants Read our latest review on this topic.
An article in the Annals of Surgery, researchers conclude that their work supports an association between silicone breast implants and a range of conditions. This journal article was accompanied by two editorials in which experts voiced their disagreement with the way the analysis was performed and the conclusions of the authors. (2/21/19)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Guideline : American Heart Association examines the challenges of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with breast cancer
Current breast cancer treatments can negatively affect cardiovascular health. Recently, the American Heart Association released its first scientific statement on cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. This statement includes a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of both diseases, shared risk factors, cardiotoxic effects of therapy and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer patients. (5/2/18)
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Relevance: Medium
Quality of Writing: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Article : The buzz around MonaLisa Touch
Relevance: Medium
Quality of Writing: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Women experiencing vaginal symptoms from menopause
THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED. The FDA issued an alert in July, 2018 noting that laser or radiofrequency devices that have received FDA clearance are ONLY cleared for treating abnormal or pre-cancerous cervical or vaginal tissue and genital warts and have NOT been approved for vaginal rejuvenation. There are currently clinical trials enrolling women to study whether laser and radiofrequency devices can improve vaginal atrophy and other menopausal symptoms.
For many young breast cancer survivors and high-risk women, the side effects from early menopause after treatment and surgery can negatively impact their personal lives. This XRAYS looks at one of the many recent media articles on a laser procedure called MonaLisa Touch. The article, "Is Laser Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy Safe?" was published online in 2017 by FOX News and written by Dr. Manny Alvarez. XRAYS will discuss what this laser procedure actually is and how it may impact a young breast cancer patient’s life after treatment. (1/19/18)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Does scalp cooling help prevent hair loss after chemotherapy?
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Patient undergoing chemotherapy
Hair loss is one of the most recognized and distressing side effects of some chemotherapies. Two studies looked at the use of scalp cooling therapy to help reduce hair loss after chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. (5/15/17)
Update: Based on data from clinical trials, the FDA approved Dignicap scalp cooling device for treatment in patients diagnosed with solid tumors who are receiving chemotherapy.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Study : Nearly half of breast cancer patients experience a severe side effect after treatment
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with early stage breast cancer
While clinical trials track treatment side effects, fewer studies look at the burden of side effects on women undergoing breast cancer treatment or compare the side effects of different treatments. This study looks at the severity of side effects experienced by women treated for early-stage breast cancer. (4/11/17)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Research suggests exercise is safe for breast cancer patients at risk for lymphedema
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with, or at high risk for lymphedema after breast cancer
Patients and health care providers are often concerned about how exercise affects lymphedema (swelling in the arm or hand) in breast cancer survivors or other women who have had lymph node biopsy at the time of mastectomy. Research on this topic has been mixed. A new study suggests that exercise after breast cancer treatment does not lead to lymphedema or worsen existing lymphedema. However, because this study was small, more work needs to be done to understand the relationship between exercise and lymphedema in cancer survivors. (2/22/17)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Study : “Chemobrain” seen in breast cancer patients up to six months after treatment
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with breast cancer who have or will be treated with chemotherapy
Many people report memory or concentration problems, commonly known as “chemobrain,” during and after cancer treatment. New research shows that for some breast cancer patients these issues continue 6 months after treatment. Documentation of this well-known effect is a crucial first step in developing ways to limit and treat it. (02/02/17)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Can acupressure be used to treat cancer-related fatigue?
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Breast cancer survivors and people in treatment who are experiencing fatigue
Breast cancer survivors commonly report experiencing considerable fatigue, which can lead to sleep problems and poor quality of life. Yet, there are no good therapies for these patients. This research study looks at whether self-administered acupressure can help breast cancer survivors with their fatigue. (8/9/16)
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Potential genetic basis for breast cancer survivors who develop therapy-related leukemia
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Breast cancer patients who have an inherited mutation and breast cancer patients who developed leukemia after treatment for breast cancer.
The population of breast cancer survivors in the United States is increasing. One rare but dangerous long-term effect of breast cancer treatment is an increased risk of leukemia, a type of bone marrow cancer. A recent study uncovered a potential genetic basis for this condition. (01/26/2015)
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