Hereditary Cancer Risk

Article : Genetic testing and the future of medicine

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)

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)

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)

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)

Guideline : What is breast density and why does it matter?

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.

Topic : Impact of new laws on cancer treatment during pregnancy

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.

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.

Study : Early removal of ovaries may be linked to small increase in risk of Parkinson’s disease in later life

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.

Study : Hormonal birth control may reduce ovarian cancer risk in people with BRCA mutations

Most relevant for: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are interested in reducing their ovarian cancer risk

Hormonal birth control pill is linked to reduced ovarian cancer among people with an inherited BRCA mutation. Longer-acting forms of birth control given by implant, injection or as an intrauterine device may be associated with lower ovarian cancer risk for people with an inherited BRCA mutation. (Posted 4/28/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation

Most relevant for: People with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 concerned about their breast cancer risk

A study that looked at normal breast cells from women with an inherited BRCA mutation found more DNA damage among women who were overweight (based on a measurement known as body mass index) than those who were not overweight. The results suggest that maintaining a lower weight may reduce breast cancer among this high-risk population. (Posted 3/30/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.