Categories Palliative Care, Quality of Life, Survivorship

Study: Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk

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.

Study: Acupuncture may ease breast cancer treatment side effects

Acupuncture can ease some symptoms of breast cancer treatment. Multiple studies found that acupuncture is a safe and effective strategy to manage certain symptoms but also called for more rigorous research on the topic. (Posted 9/28/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Physical activity may decrease fatigue associated with cancer treatment

Many cancer survivors experience fatigue during and after they complete treatment. This study looked at the effect of home-based physical activity on fatigue in cancer survivors. It also looked at whether frequent counseling encouraged people to start and continue their exercise routines.  (Posted 8/1/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.

Article: How your ovarian cancer diagnosis can help your relatives

This media article provides tips from experts and the CDC for talking to family members after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It highlights which family members may be at risk of developing ovarian cancer or passing on genes that increase risk. The article provides links to resources, talking points, alternative methods of communication and potential reactions. (Posted 7/28/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Risk-reducing ovarian cancer surgery and quality of life

People with an inherited BRCA gene mutation are recommended to have surgery to remove their ovaries before the age of natural menopause to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer.  This surgery can cause short-term and long-term effects. This study assesses the quality of life among people who have their fallopian tubes surgically removed and later have their ovaries removed compared to people who have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time.  (Posted 7/26/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: The hidden financial burden of treating cancer care symptoms

Drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment side effects can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket for patients, depending on what drugs are used. (Posted 6/29/2022). Este artículo está disponible en español.

Article: Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations

There is little information related to the risks and treatment options for transgender men and nonbinary people who are at high-risk for breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We review an expert viewpoint on the implications of a BRCA mutation for transgender men undergoing breast removal as part of their gender-affirming care plan. (posted 5/19/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Increasing melatonin use raises concerns

Adult use of melatonin as a sleep aid has increased even though its benefits and risks are not well understood. This study looked at trends in melatonin use over the last 19 years. (Posted 4/14/2022)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Quality of life for people with early-stage breast cancer who participated in the OlympiA clinical trial

The OlympiA study showed that the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) is effective when used as maintenance therapy for people with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have early-stage breast cancer. Patient-reported outcomes from OlympiA suggest that olaparib was well tolerated and did not reduce quality of life or delay recovery from chemotherapy. (posted 2/22/22) Update: Based on OlympiA results, the FDA approved olaparib as adjuvant treatment for people with an inherited BRCA mutation who were diagnosed with early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer at high risk for recurrence. (03/11/2022). 

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Cannabis use among breast cancer patients

This study looked at patterns of cannabis use among breast cancer patients who are members of online health communities. Almost half of the study participants reported using cannabis to help manage treatment symptoms and side effects. The study also looked at reasons why patients used cannabis, where they obtained it and whether they perceived cannabis to be safe. While this study only looked at cannabis use among breast cancer patients it is likely results would be similar among patients diagnosed with other types of cancers. (posted 1/25/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.