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 Health Disparities
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genes, genetic counseling and disparities in endometrial cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is on the rise, and it can run in families. Genetic counseling has benefits for people with cancer and their family members. However, Black women with endometrial cancer more often have worse outcomes than white women. Black women with endometrial cancer who test positive for an inherited mutation are less likely to see a genetic counselor. Given these disparities, Black women would benefit from better access to and referrals for genetic counseling. (Posted 12/14/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreRelevance: Medium
Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender women with inherited mutations
Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: Transgender women with inherited mutations who are considering or have had gender affirming care
There has been little research on breast cancer risk for transgender women who are at high risk for breast cancer due to an inherited mutation. This review summarizes what we know. (Posted 11/29/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreStudy : Breast cancer disparities among the LGBTQ+ community
Most relevant for: People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community
This study looked at differences in breast cancer treatment outcomes among people from the LGBTQ+ community. (Posted 6/28/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreRelevance: 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)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreTopic : Cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations
Most relevant for: Americans Indians and Alaska Natives
The American Cancer Society released a special section in their 2022 Cancer Facts & Figures report that discussed cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations in the United States. This review highlights the special section’s main points, including disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis and survival rates in native communities, as well as factors contributing to those disparities. (Posted 12/20/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreRelevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Expanding Medicaid reduced racial disparities among people with metastatic breast cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with de novo stage 4 breast cancer and people who live in states that have not expanded Medicaid.
The Affordable Care Act allowed more people to access insurance through Medicaid. This study found the expansion of care improved survival and decreased mortality among people of color with de novo stage 4 (stage 4 at the time of initial diagnosis) breast cancer. (Posted 9/13/2022). Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreStudy : Clinical trial eligibility excludes more Black than white patients
Most relevant for: People with pancreatic cancer who are interested in participating in a clinical trial
Eligibility criteria stating who can and cannot participate in clinical trials are necessary. However, traditional eligibility criteria have led to the exclusion of Black people in pancreatic cancer clinical trials. This exclusion restricts patient access to new drugs and limits the ability to generalize results to the population of patients who will ultimately use the drug. Revising eligibility criteria, especially for patients with pancreatic cancer, may improve clinical trial access among Black people. (Posted 8/23/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreArticle : Rise in endometrial cancer affects Black women more than white women
Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk for endometrial cancer
The New York Times calls attention to the increase in a type of cancer of the uterus called endometrial cancer and how it disproportionately affects Black women. The article provides useful information about endometrial cancer while raising awareness of a significant and growing health disparity. (Posted 8/16/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreArticle : Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations
Most relevant for: Transgender men with an inherited mutation
There is little information related to the risks and treatment options for transgender men and nonbinary people who are at high-risk for breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We review an expert viewpoint on the implications of a BRCA mutation for transgender men undergoing breast removal as part of their gender-affirming care plan. (posted 5/19/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read MoreRelevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
View Related Clinical TrialsStudy : New tool to predict breast cancer risk for Black women
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
View Related Clinical TrialsMost relevant for: Black women in the U.S.
An important part of making decisions about breast cancer screening and prevention is knowing your breast cancer risk. Specific tools are used to identify people who would benefit from early and/or additional screening and chemoprevention or those who would most benefit from genetic counseling and testing. Because these tools were developed using data mostly from white women, they are unable to predict cancer risk as well for Black women. To begin to address these gaps, researchers developed a new tool specifically designed to predict breast cancer risk for Black women. This tool has been shown to work well, especially for younger Black women. (posted 3/22/2022) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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