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 Risk
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Study : Do BRCA mutations affect fertility?
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Most relevant for: Women with a BRCA mutation who want to become pregnant
Age affects fertility. As women age, their ovaries release eggs that are not as healthy as those released in younger women. Fewer eggs are released each menstrual cycle as women age, making it harder for older women to become pregnant. Are women with BRCA mutations less fertile? Previous research suggested that BRCA mutations might affect women's fertility as she ages. A recent study found that BRCA1 mutation carriers may have slightly lower fertility than women without the same mutation, but more research is needed before this finding is useful for medical decision-making. (5/24/16)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/brca-and-fertility.jpg)
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Study : Is breast cancer risk increased in women who test negative for the BRCA mutation in their family?
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Most relevant for: Women from a family with a known BRCA mutation who tested negative for the mutation in the family
Some women who do not carry a BRCA mutation, but come from a BRCA-positive family, still develop breast cancer. This research examines whether these women are at higher risk for breast cancer, or whether their risk is similar to women in the general population. (4/19/16)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/61dafae1478f3.jpg)
Article : New York Times report demonstrates need for genetic counseling, but doesn’t give the whole story
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with breast cancer
A New York Times report discussed how genetic testing could provide “grim data” without guidance for patients. While this is a valid concern, this report does not sufficiently emphasize certain important issues regarding genetic testing, particularly the need for genetic counseling by a health care provider with expertise in genetics before and after genetic testing. (4/5/16)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/61db019d607a0.jpg)
Study : Do women who eat a high fiber diet have a lower risk of breast cancer?
Most relevant for: Adolescent and young adult women
Some researchers believe that dietary fiber may decrease breast cancer risk by lowering estrogen levels in the blood. However, many previous studies have failed to find a link between fiber consumption and lower breast cancer risk. The current study suggests that consuming high dietary fiber during adolescence and young adulthood may lower breast cancer risk, but more work needs to be done to confirm this finding. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to eat a variety of high fiber foods for the many well-documented health benefits. (03/08/16)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/high-fiber-diet.jpg)
Relevance: Medium-High
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: High
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Post Approval
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Study : How do ultrasound and mammography compare in breast cancer screening?
Relevance: Medium-High
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: High
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Post Approval
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Most relevant for: Young women at high risk for breast cancer with limited access to mammography and MRI is not easily accessible
Mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths; however, women in developing countries don’t have easy access to mammography. Ultrasound screening, on the other hand, is portable and less expensive, and could be an alternative to mammography. This study compared mammography to ultrasound in women with dense breasts and found the two techniques have similar cancer detection rates, although the false positive rate is higher with ultrasound. (02/16/16)
Read More
![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/ultrasound-vs-mammography.jpg)
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Lab Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Study : Do parabens in personal care products increase breast cancer risk?
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Lab Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Most relevant for: Women who use personal care products that contain parabens.
Parabens are chemicals that can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. As estrogen has been shown to increase breast cancer risk, some people have asked if parabens found in some cosmetics and shampoos will also increase breast cancer risk. Many studies have shown that parabens in the quantities found in personal care products are safe. A recent study of human breast cancer cells suggests that in certain conditions, parabens could help some breast cancer cells grow. It is important to remember that this is early research; this single laboratory-based study does not conclusively prove that parabens are dangerous. More work, including human studies, needs to be done to understand if parabens increase cancer risk. (01/16/2016)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/parabens.jpg)
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Study : Aerobic exercise lowers estrogen levels in premenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Most relevant for: High risk women with a BRCA mutation or a close relative with a BRCA mutation
Many treatments that lower estrogen levels also reduce breast cancer risk. Unfortunately, these treatments are also associated with negative side effects. A recent study looked at the effect of regular aerobic exercise on the estrogen levels of women who are at high risk for breast cancer. (11/14/2015)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/aerobic-exercise.jpg)
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium-Low
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Study : Breastfeeding may reduce hormone receptor negative breast cancer risk
Relevance: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium-Low
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Research Timeline: Human Research
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-research-cycle3.png)
Most relevant for: Women who are pregnant or have just given birth and are deciding about breastfeeding
Previous studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a reduced breast cancer risk. This study examines this association in the different breast cancer subtypes (ER, PR, HER2 negative/positive) and finds that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of ER-/PR- breast cancer. (11/16/2015)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/breast-feeding-hormone-receptors.jpg)
Relevance: Low
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Quality of Writing: Low
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Article : What “The Truth About Cancer” got wrong about BRCA mutations and cancer
Relevance: Low
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Quality of Writing: Low
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Most relevant for: Because this video is full of medical misinformation, it is not relevant for anyone making healthcare decisions
A website called thetruthaboutcancer.com, created a 9-part docu-series titled “The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest” (TACGQ). The video states that Angelina Jolie’s decision to remove her breasts was one made out of fear; one commentator states that her decision was “barbaric." This video contains a lot of dangerous misinformation about BRCA mutations and inherited cancer. FORCE XRAYS provides the following point-by-point analysis on "The Truth About Cancer." (11/10/2015)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/truth-about-cancer-series.jpg)
Relevance: Medium-High
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Study : Impact of familial breast cancer risk on young girls
Relevance: Medium-High
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Strength of Science: Medium
![](/images/xray/gauges/new-gauge-arrow.png)
![](/images/xray/gauges/XRAYS-gauge-simple.png)
Most relevant for: Young women and girls from high-risk breast cancer families
Does growing up in a family that is at high risk for breast cancer affect young girls? Recent research found girls from families with BRCA mutations and/or a strong family history of cancer to be as well adjusted as peers of the same age. The one difference was that girls from families facing breast cancer risk had more stress related to breast cancer than their peers. While these findings are reassuring, parents know their children best, and they should ask for help if they believe their daughters are not coping well. (11/03/2015)
Read More![](https://www.facingourrisk.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=400,height=400,fit=contain,format=webp/uploads/assets/xray/61dd90c91b64f.jpg)
Search XRAY studies and Articles
This Portal Sponsored By:
![CDC](/uploads/assets/xray/sponsors/63f375e86ba3f.png?h=300&w=100&fit=contain&fm=webp)