Study : Cannabis use among breast cancer patients

Most relevant for: People interested in using cannabis to relieve treatment side effects.

This study looked at patterns of cannabis use among breast cancer patients who are members of online health communities. Almost half of the study participants reported using cannabis to help manage treatment symptoms and side effects. The study also looked at reasons why patients used cannabis, where they obtained it and whether they perceived cannabis to be safe. While this study only looked at cannabis use among breast cancer patients it is likely results would be similar among patients diagnosed with other types of cancers. (posted 1/25/22)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Article : Overview of pancreatic cancer treatment options

Most relevant for: People with pancreatic cancer

This review looks at current strategies for pancreatic cancer care and potential future therapies. (posted 7/28/21)

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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)

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Guideline : COVID vaccines for people with cancer

Most relevant for: Cancer patients, their family and caregivers

Should cancer patients get a COVID vaccine? The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provide guidance for people with cancer. These experts recommend that most cancer patients get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is offered (unless they are allergic to a vaccine component). Cancer patients who have had recent surgery may delay vaccination a few days after surgery. Those with a suppressed immune system are advised to delay getting the vaccine until they’re healthy enough to do so. (2/1/21)

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Study : Inherited gene mutations found in pancreatic cancer families in Spain

Most relevant for: People with pancreatic cancer and a family history of pancreatic or other cancers

This study looked for inherited mutations in genes known to be linked to hereditary pancreatic cancer. The results provide additional evidence that most hereditary pancreatic cancer is due to inherited mutations in genes that were previously associated with other forms of cancer. (10/29/20)

Personal Story : Coping with chemotherapy-induced hair loss

Most relevant for: People who receive chemotherapy for cancer treatment

Ovarian cancer survivor Stephanie Hess shared her personal story about how she coped with hair loss. This XRAY review also includes treatments to reduce this common side effect of chemotherapy. (9/28/20)

Topic : COVID-19 and cancer

Most relevant for: People in treatment for cancer, or people scheduled for surgery

The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes in our communities. In this XRAY review we focus on the intersection between COVID-19 and cancer: who may be immunosuppressed, coping with changes in surveillance or treatment, and evaluating and dealing with media. (4/13/20)

Este artículo está disponible en español.