Categories Palliative Care, Quality of Life, Survivorship

Study: Understanding the risks of a second cancer after a breast cancer diagnosis in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

After breast cancer, people who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation face a greater risk of a second cancer compared to individuals without a BRCA mutation. This study helps to better understand this risk so that breast cancer survivors with mutations can receive informed, personalized plans for surveillance and follow-up care. (Posted 12/11/25)

Study: Early trial of new vaccine shows promise for treating KRAS-mutated pancreatic and colon cancers

A vaccine for treating pancreatic and colon cancers with a biomarker known as a KRAS mutation produced a strong immune response in people at high risk of recurrence in an early clinical trial. This promising vaccine is now being studied in a larger clinical trial. (Posted 12/9/25)

Study: Cancer patients with certain inherited mutations have cancer outcomes similar to those without inherited mutations

People with an inherited mutation in certain genes, including ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, BRCA or Lynch syndrome genes, have an increased risk of cancer. In this study, researchers wanted to know whether cancer patients with inherited mutations had a different chance of survival than patients without an inherited mutation in these genes. These results showed that, although the risk of cancer is increased, there is no difference in survival after a diagnosis of breast, pancreatic or colorectal cancer with or without these genetic changes. (posted 11/20/25)

Study: Exercise may delay the return of colon cancer and help people live longer

People who participated in a structured exercise program following completed treatment for colon cancer experienced more time without cancer growth and lived longer than those who did not. This study suggests that regular, moderate-intensity exercise can benefit the long-term health of people with early-stage colon cancer. (Posted 11/05/25)

Study: Impact of mental healthcare among those with increased pancreatic cancer risk

Pancreatic cancer is often aggressive and diagnosed at a late stage, which can lead to uncertainty and fear. For those at risk due to a genetic mutation or family history, access to surveillance and mental health support is essential to help manage the emotional impact.  (Posted 5/12/25)

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Topic: Addressing the needs of young adults with breast cancer

This update addresses common concerns faced by young adults with breast cancer, particularly fertility and childbearing, psychosocial health and treatment-related side effects. (Posted 2/28/25)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Impact on sexual well-being among people with an inherited BRCA mutation

This study looked at sexual well-being in those with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Knowledge about having an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA1 mutation did not influence sexual health. However, menopause and cancer diagnosis was had a significant impact on sexual health and sexual function. (Posted 2/13/25)

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Article: Life with a high-risk pancreatic and melanoma cancer mutation

One woman seeks genetic testing after her sister died of pancreatic cancer. Despite how her family’s mutation in the CDKN2A gene resulted in multiple cancer diagnoses and deaths and a suspicious finding during her own pancreatic cancer screening, Amarensia Spruitenburg shares a message of hope and gratitude. By telling her story, Amarensia highlights the impact that hereditary cancer can have on families.  (Posted 11/22/24)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: More research points to the benefits of pancreatic cancer screening

People with a family history of pancreatic cancer or those who have an inherited mutation that increases risk may benefit from yearly pancreatic cancer screening. Yearly screening may lead to early diagnosis and longer survival. (Posted 10/8/24)

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Study: Use of cannabis for cancer symptom management

Among people with cancer, interest in the use of cannabis to manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects is high. The world's leading professional organization of oncologists has published strategies to help adults with cancer and their healthcare providers have open, nonjudgmental discussions about the use of cannabis to manage cancer symptoms. (Posted 9/27/24)

Este artículo está disponible en español.