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
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Impact of breast cancer and BRCA mutations on fertility preservation
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People considering fertility preservation.
Timely family planning discussions are important for people diagnosed with breast cancer as well as those who have an inherited a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. This study looked at the number of mature eggs recovered when ovaries were stimulated for fertility preservation or preimplantation genetic testing among three groups and found that the number of eggs collected was similar. (Posted 10/31/24)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Yearly breast MRI screening improves outcomes for women with inherited BRCA mutations
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who are considering breast MRI screening
An international research study of yearly breast MRI screening among women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations found that BRCA1 carriers who had MRI screenings were less likely to die of breast cancer than those who did not. Additional studies with more BRCA2 mutation carriers are needed to determine if yearly breast MRIs reduce deaths from breast cancer in this group. (Posted 6/24/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Update : News from the FDA– new breast cancer treatment, thermography warning and implant screening updates
Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People with HR-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. People with silicone breast implants. People considering thermography screening
This XRAY review is a summary of FDA breast cancer updates from July to December 2023. This includes a new drug approval and two consumer updates. (Posted 2/21/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Update : A breast cancer vaccine for people with an inherited BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 mutation
Most relevant for: People at increased risk for breast cancer undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy due to an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. People with TNBC who still have breast cancer after chemotherapy.
A breast cancer vaccine is showing promise in early clinical trials. Initially, the vaccine was tested in people with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who were at high risk for recurrence. Now the vaccine is being tested to lower breast cancer risk among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. It is also being tested in people with triple-negative breast cancer who are at high risk for recurrence and are taking the immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) after completing chemotherapy. (Posted 1/31/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Article : Artificial intelligence (AI) may find breast cancer on mammograms sooner
Most relevant for: People interested in the use of artificial intelligence in medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may help doctors read mammograms. This assistance may lead to earlier diagnoses of breast cancer. (Posted 9/29/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Article : Genetic testing and the future of medicine
Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People interested in genetic testing.
An article published in Katie Couric Media discusses genetic testing and how it can impact health. The author talked with Dr. Robert Steiner, a doctor who specializes in genetics. He talked about genetic testing and how the results can affect health and change lives. (Posted 9/28/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Guideline : What is breast density and why does it matter?
Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People who have mammograms
New FDA guidelines for mammograms will go into effect by September 2024. Current FDA guidance requires hospitals and breast centers to give people information about their breast density with their mammogram results. By September 2024, mammogram providers will need to relay to patients who have dense breast that they should discuss the need for additional imaging. This article provides an overview of what breast density means and why it matters. (Posted 6/8/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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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
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)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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