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
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Study : Sugar promotes tumor growth and metastasis in mouse model breast cancer
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with breast cancer
Previous human studies found associations between high sugar intake and breast cancer risk. This study looked at the direct effect of sugar on breast cancer growth and metastasis in mice. While researchers observed that sugar increased tumor growth and metastasis, more work needs to be done to see if this finding is relevant in humans. It is important to remember, the overall health benefits of limiting sugar intake remain undisputed. (02/02/16)
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : How many children with cancer have mutations in genes that increase cancer risk?
Most relevant for: Survivors of childhood cancer and people with a family history of relatives diagnosed with childhood cancers
Many genes are associated with increased cancer risk in adults, but it is unclear how common these mutations are in children with cancer. This study found that about 9% of children with cancer carry mutations in a gene that is known to increase cancer risk. Over half of the mutations were in the TP53 gene, which is associated with increased cancer risk at a young age and increased risk of breast cancer in adults. (12/15/2015)
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Relevance: Low
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Study : Do antioxidants encourage the spread of cancer cells?
Most relevant for: The clinical relevance of this study for people is not clear
Scientists do not yet know why some cancers spread to other parts of the body (a process called metastasis). A study in mice suggested that high doses of some antioxidants (chemicals that can protect cells from damage) might actually make it easier for cancer cells to spread. (12/01/2015)
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Relevance: Low
Quality of Writing: Low
Article : What “The Truth About Cancer” got wrong about BRCA mutations and cancer
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Study : Impact of familial breast cancer risk on young girls
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)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : BRCA mutations more common than expected in young black women with breast cancer
Most relevant for: Young black women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer
Most estimates of the percentage of breast cancer patients with mutations in BRCA are based on studies in White women. These researchers found that Black women diagnosed at a young age with breast cancer were twice as likely to have a BRCA mutation than previously reported based on studies in White women with breast cancer diagnosed in the same age categories. This study shows how important it is for all Black women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 to speak with their doctor about genetic counseling and testing. (9/29/15)
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