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
Hereditary Cancer
Relevance: 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.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Human Research


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


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Update : New drug combination for early treatment of some metastatic prostate cancer
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2
The FDA approved Lynparza (olaparib) for use earlier in treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) when added to abiraterone and prednisone for people with a BRCA mutation found through genetic or tumor testing. Lynparza combined with hormone therapy may now be used as a first-line or later treatment. (Posted 9/11/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Topic : Colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults: What Millennials and Gen Zs need to know
Most relevant for: Young adults
The rate of colorectal cancer among young adults in the US has been increasing since the 1990s. Scientists are trying to figure out why. (Posted 8/15/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Topic : Reducing ovarian cancer risk without removing the ovaries
Most relevant for: People who are not at high risk of ovarian cancer who are having pelvic surgery
A leading ovarian cancer organization has recommended that all women who have pelvic surgery should also consider removing their fallopian tubes to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. (Posted 7/18/23)
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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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Relevance: High


Quality of Writing: High


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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