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.
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Hereditary Cancer Risk
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.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Early removal of ovaries may be linked to small increase in risk of Parkinson’s disease in later life
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
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.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Hormonal birth control may reduce ovarian cancer risk in people with BRCA mutations
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
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.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
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.
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Study : Increasing soy in your diet may lower your cancer risk
Most relevant for: People interested in reducing cancer risk
This study looked at a link between a diet rich in soy and cancer risk. With the addition of more recent literature, this study suggests that soy lowers the risk of cancer in the general population. (Posted 2/24/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Update : Breast cancer vaccine trial begins enrolling people with BRCA1 and PALB2 mutations
Most relevant for: People with a BRCA1 or PALB2 mutation undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
A new vaccine was first tested on people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The vaccine is now being tested to prevent breast cancer among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or PALB2 who are at high risk and who are planning to have a risk-reducing mastectomy. (Posted 1/9/23) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Prostate cancer screening may benefit people with Lynch syndrome
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome
Initial results from the IMPACT trial show that PSA testing to screen for prostate cancer in people with Lynch syndrome can detect aggressive early prostate cancers. These findings support the use of PSA screening in men with Lynch syndrome, particularly men with an inherited mutation in an MSH2 or MSH6 gene. (Posted 11/10/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Resistant starch may help prevent some cancers in people with Lynch syndrome
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome and people with a personal and/or family history that suggests Lynch syndrome
This study looked at whether a type of nutrient known as resistant starch could lower the risk of cancers in people with Lynch Syndrome. Researchers found that resistant starch can reduce the risk of non-colorectal cancers but not colorectal cancer. (Posted 10/17/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Mothers who have had genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 whether or not they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
Little is known about how awareness of hereditary cancer in a high-risk family affects the quality of life of teens and young adults. This study looked at the lifestyle choices, cancer awareness and quality of life of adolescents and young adults whose mothers had undergone testing for a BRCA mutation. (Posted 10/11/2022) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Update : FDA reports on new cancers linked to breast implants
Most relevant for: People with breast implants
New cancers have been found in women with both textured and smooth implants that are filled with either saline or silicone. These cancers are extremely rare. The FDA has reported cases of a type of skin cancer and blood cancers in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants. The newly reported lymphomas are different from the previously reported breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). (Posted 9/27/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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