Study : Multiple sclerosis may affect breast and colorectal cancer survival

Most relevant for: People with multiple sclerosis who are diagnosed with cancer

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have lower overall survival after a breast or colorectal cancer diagnosis compared to people diagnosed with these cancers who do not have multiple sclerosis. Survival differed by cancer type. (posted 12/10/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Update : COVID boosters: What people with cancer should know

Most relevant for: People with cancer considering a COVID-19 booster

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has issued new guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations. Guidelines now recommend a booster or third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for patients with cancer, including those undergoing active treatment. Currently, these updated guidelines do not address people who had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (posted 11/16/2021)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Genetic testing for inherited mutations may be helpful for all people with advanced or metastatic cancer

Most relevant for: people with metastatic or recurrent cancer

In a study of nearly 12,000 cancer patients with a variety of cancers, eight percent of participants with metastatic cancer had an inherited mutation in a cancer gene that qualified them for a targeted treatment approved by the FDA or for participation in a clinical trial. The majority of people with metastatic cancer were unaware that they had an inherited mutation, and had not receive gene-directed treatment to which their tumor may have responded. The study authors suggest that genetic testing for inherited mutations may be warranted for all patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. (posted 9/30/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

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.

Study : Do sugared beverages increase the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer?

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.

Study : Cancer risks of people with inherited PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: people with inherited PALB2 mutations

In the largest study of people with inherited PALB2 mutations to date, the gene was linked to increased lifetime risk of breast cancer in women and men, ovarian and pancreatic cancer but not prostate or colorectal cancer. (posted 7/1/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Daily high-dose aspirin taken for at least 2 years reduces the risk of colorectal cancer but not other cancers in people with Lynch syndrome

Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome

Research has shown that daily aspirin use can reduce the risk of colon and other cancers. The Cancer Prevention Program 2 (CaPP2) study looked at the effect of daily aspirin in patients with Lynch syndrome. After 10 years of follow-up, the results showed that taking daily aspirin for two years reduced the frequency of colon cancer in patients with Lynch syndrome, and importantly, did not result in an increase in side-effects or complications. No benefit was seen for other Lynch syndrome-related cancers, including endometrial cancer. (5/17/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Update : Cancer disparities: Colorectal cancer in African Americans

Most relevant for: African Americans concerned about colorectal cancer

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released a 2020 report about cancer disparities among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In this XRAY review, we highlight data from the report about the burden of colorectal cancer in African Americans, who have the highest rates of diagnosis and death related to the disease among all racial and ethnic groups. (Posted 4/27/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Expanded access to Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act is linked to reduced cancer mortality

Most relevant for: People with breast, colorectal or lung cancer.

In 2014 the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid coverage. How did this affect healthcare for cancer patients? This study shows that deaths from breast, colorectal and lung cancer are lower in states that chose to expand Medicaid compared to states that did not. Early diagnosis was linked to lower death rates. This suggests that increased healthcare access may lead to earlier cancer detection and better outcomes, including lower mortality. (3/31/2021)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Body Mass Index (BMI) may affect how well aspirin use protects against colorectal and ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk of colorectal or ovarian cancer.

This study looked at the impact of daily aspirin use on the risk for many types of cancers and whether this effect can be modified by risk factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity or a family history of cancer. Daily aspirin use: 

• lowered the risk for colorectal cancer, but this effect was lost as Body Mass Index (BMI) increased.
• lowered the risk of ovarian cancer risk among obese women.
• offered little or no protection against breast, endometrial or advanced prostate cancer.

(posted 3/19/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.