Hereditary Cancer Risk

Study : Breastfeeding may lower risk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA mutations

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women considering breastfeeding who have inherited BRCA mutations.

Data from a large-scale study suggests that breastfeeding may protect against ovarian cancer in women with inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. (1/28/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Women support delayed removal of ovaries

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women at high risk of ovarian cancer who are considering undergoing risk-reducing surgery.

Risk-reducing early removal of fallopian tubes followed by removal of ovaries at a later date was acceptable to women at high risk of ovarian cancer due to an inherited mutation in a recent study. This was especially true for women worried about sexual dysfunction associated with surgical menopause. (12/24/20)

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

Relevance: Medium

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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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)

Update : FDA updates reported harmful events linked to breast implants

Relevance: Medium

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: People who have or are considering breast implants.

The FDA has updated reported cases of breast implant-associated cancer and breast implant illness. Included in this update is approval of a questionnaire that asks about quality of life and satisfaction with breast implants. (10/20/20). Note: On October 27, 2021 the FDA announced stronger guidance on breast implant safety.

Study : Dairy milk may slightly raise breast cancer risk

Relevance: Medium-Low

Strength of Science: Medium-Low

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: Women who consume dairy or soy

Debate continues about whether consuming soy or dairy products increases breast cancer risk. This study looked at a large number of women and found no link between soy and breast cancer risk. The study did find that postmenopausal women who drank dairy milk have a small increase in breast cancer risk. (09/04/20)

Study : What is the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis in the other breast for women with a BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 mutation?

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53

For women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, knowing their risk of breast cancer in the other (contralateral) breast can help them make decisions about surgery and screening. This study shows that women with an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 have an increased risk for contralateral breast cancer. This risk is highest in women with a TP53 mutation. (6/6/20)

Study : Racial and ethnic differences in genetic testing among young breast cancer survivors

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

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Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger

Genetic testing is recommended for most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger.  In this study of young women with breast cancer, while the rates of genetic testing  did not differ, the rates of women testing positive for an inherited mutation associated with breast cancer did vary between racial and ethnic groups. (2/27/20)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Do hair dyes or straighteners increase breast cancer risk?

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-Low

Most relevant for: Young women who use hair dye or straighteners

Many women use products to color or straighten their hair. A large U.S. study linked the use of permanent hair dye and straighteners to increased breast cancer risk, particularly among black women. This XRAY reviews the limitations of this study and highlights the need for additional research before accepting these conclusions. (1/29/20)

Study : Women who exercise have lower breast cancer risk whether or not they have a family history of breast cancer

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: Young, high risk women

The effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk was looked at  in a study of over 15,000 women. The results suggest that exercise lowers breast cancer risk regardless of family  history of breast cancer or menopausal status.  (12/6/19)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Update : Genetic causes of hereditary pancreatic cancer: BRCA and beyond

Relevance: High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: People diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

An update on hereditary pancreatic cancer presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting covered genes and lifetime risk. The update emphasized that all pancreatic cancer patients should be offered genetic counseling and testing. Genetic test results may impact treatment, screening for other cancers and risk to family members. (11/26/19)