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: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Article : How your ovarian cancer diagnosis can help your relatives
Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with ovarian cancer
This media article provides tips from experts and the CDC for talking to family members after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It highlights which family members may be at risk of developing ovarian cancer or passing on genes that increase risk. The article provides links to resources, talking points, alternative methods of communication and potential reactions. (Posted 7/28/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Risk-reducing ovarian cancer surgery and quality of life
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with an inherited BRCA mutation
People with an inherited BRCA gene mutation are recommended to have surgery to remove their ovaries before the age of natural menopause to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. This surgery can cause short-term and long-term effects. This study assesses the quality of life among people who have their fallopian tubes surgically removed and later have their ovaries removed compared to people who have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time. (Posted 7/26/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Do artificial sweeteners increase the risk of cancer?
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People who consume artificial sweeteners
A large study of adults in France suggests that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of certain cancers. (posted 6/21/2022). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Article : 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.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : New tool to predict breast cancer risk for Black women
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most 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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Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Article : Chris Evert's ovarian cancer diagnosis highlights the importance of genetic counseling and testing
Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with genetic test result called a VUS
Tennis star Chris Evert shared her story about a change in her sister's genetic test results that led Ms. Evert to have genetic testing and her decision to have her ovaries removed to lower her cancer risk. Ovarian cancer was found at the time of Ms. Evert’s surgery, but fortunately, it was caught early. Her story highlights the importance of genetic counseling, testing and post-testing follow-up with experts. (Posted 2/8/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Update : Stronger guidance about breast implant safety
Most relevant for: People with or considering breast implants
The FDA issued new guidance for breast implants so that all people with breast implants have the appropriate information to understand and make decisions about their healthcare. Required features include box warning, patient decision checklist, guidelines for screening for implant ruptures and patient device cards. (posted 12/14/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may increase risk for endometrial cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
A Dutch study added further evidence that women with a BRCA1 mutation may have an elevated risk for endometrial cancer. The study found that the endometrial cancer in women with either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation was more likely to be an aggressive form of cancer associated with a poor outcomes. (posted 11/30/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-Low
Research Timeline: Human Research
Update : Blood tests called liquid biopsies for cancer screening, monitoring and treatment
Most relevant for: People considering a liquid biopsy to screen for cancer
Could a simple blood test change cancer detection, treatment and monitoring? Several companies are offering a type of blood test known as a liquid biopsy to detect multiple cancers at their earliest stages, monitor response to treatment and help choose the best treatment. Although progress has been made using liquid biopsies to treat cancer, these tests have not yet been shown to detect cancer early enough to save lives. (posted 9/29/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Do sugared beverages increase the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer?
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Healthy people with an average colorectal cancer risk
A study of female nurses in the U.S. suggests that a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of colorectal cancer before age 50. However, researchers saw few early-onset colorectal cancer cases which limited the findings. (posted 9/21/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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