Hereditary Cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People who may be at high risk for melanoma
Study: Mutations in familial melanoma genes and cancer risk
Researchers studied nearly 700,000 people from the United States and the United Kingdom to learn how common mutations in familial melanoma genes are in the general population. They found that these mutations may be more common than previously estimated and were often found in people who developed melanoma at a young age or who had more than one melanoma. These findings suggest that some people with melanoma may benefit from discussing genetic counseling and testing with their healthcare provider. (posted 7/28/2026)
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Relevance: High
Most relevant for: • Black women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at age 50 or younger
Study: Understanding inherited breast cancer risk in young Black women
This study looked at genetic testing for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger. The study found that about 15% of young Black women had an inherited mutation in a known breast cancer gene, most commonly BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2. These findings highlight the importance of genetic counseling and testing in guiding treatment and family risk assessment. (posted 7/13/2026)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Men with prostate cancer
Study: Males with prostate cancer share positive experiences with genetic testing
A study of men with prostate cancer found that most had a positive experience with genetic testing. Many reported feeling more informed about their health and understanding their cancer risks after receiving their results. (posted 5/26/2026)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have had ovarian cancer
Study: Breast cancer risk after ovarian cancer in women with BRCA mutations
Women who have an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a higher lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer compared to women without these mutations. This study found that after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a relatively low risk of developing breast cancer. (posted 5/18/2026)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Parents of children with childhood cancer
Study: Mutations in DNA repair genes and hereditary childhood cancer
Studies show that up to 18% of children with cancer have a mutation in a gene that is known to increase cancer risk. In this study, researchers examined whether mutations in genes that help repair damaged DNA contribute to pediatric cancer. They also identified new genes that may increase cancer risk in children. (posted 5/7/2026)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: Women with menopause symptoms currently using or considering hormone therapy
Update: Hormone therapy for menopause
For people living with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain or vaginal dryness, menopausal hormone therapy may be a helpful option to address these symptoms. This includes people at high risk for ovarian cancer who experience early menopause after risk-reducing surgery. The FDA recently updated its guidance to remove some of the strongest warning labels from these treatments. This change could make it easier for you and your doctor to decide if hormone therapy is right for you. (posted 4/27/2026)
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Relevance: High
Most relevant for: People with a PALB2 mutation
Study: Understanding inherited PALB2 mutations and risk of multiple cancers
Inherited mutations in the PALB2 gene are linked to increased risk of several cancers, including breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers. This study estimates the effect of an inherited PALB2 mutation on a person’s risk of developing each of these cancers. (posted 4/6/2026)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome
Study: Early trial of new vaccine shows promise for people with Lynch syndrome
The Nous-209 vaccine for preventing cancer in people with Lynch syndrome was tested in an early-phase study. The safety and immune response results were encouraging. An immune response was seen in most participants, suggesting that the vaccine may help reduce the chance of developing cancer in people with Lynch syndrome. (posted 3/23/2026)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People who have had or are considering liquid biopsy testing
Topic: What Patients Need to Know About Liquid Biopsies in Cancer Care
Liquid biopsies are tests that look for signs of cancer in blood or other body fluids. These signs can include cancer cells that have broken away from a tumor, pieces of cancer cell DNA and proteins or other biomarkers found in cancer cells. Liquid biopsies can be used to screen for cancer before a cancer diagnosis or guide treatment after a diagnosis. (posted 2/6/26)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People who have early-stage triple-negative breast cancer and an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2
Study: Treating triple-negative breast cancer in people with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
This review summarizes two studies highlighted during the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Both studies focus on targeted therapy and immunotherapy given before surgery to treat early-stage triple-negative breast cancer in people with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. One study evaluated pre-surgery treatment with Zejula and Jemperli; the other study evaluated Lynparza and Imfinzi. (posted 2/3/26)
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