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
Categories Palliative Care, Quality of Life, Survivorship
Study : Use of cannabis for cancer symptom management
Most relevant for: People with cancer interested in using cannabis to help manage symptoms.
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Managing the side effects of advanced endometrial cancer treatment
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with advanced endometrial cancer
Immunotherapy plus targeted therapy is a treatment option for advanced endometrial cancer that has progressed after prior treatment. People who start the two-drug combination are more likely to have a positive experience if they learn about the possible side effects and when they might occur. The most common side effects and how to manage them are discussed in this review. (Posted 9/25/24)
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Topic : Acupressure for cancer symptom relief
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with cancer
Acupressure is a safe treatment that can be used to relieve some symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. Light pressure applied to key points on the body may help with fatigue, sleep, nausea and possibly other symptoms as well. (Posted 8/1/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Topic : Experts call for early palliative care for cancer patients
Most relevant for: Cancer patients
People with cancer need support and care not only at the end of life but from the time of diagnosis. At the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, the organization’s president urged cancer healthcare professionals to make palliative care central to cancer treatment. (Posted 7/17/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Ovary removal reduces risk of death from any cause in people with BRCA mutations
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People who have had a risk reducing bilateral oophorectomy
People who test positive for an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation can reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by having both ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. A study published in 2024 found an added benefit of this surgery – a lower risk of death from any cause by age 75. (Posted 5/23/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Personal Story : Living a full life with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
This XRAY review is about a five-time cancer survivor who has an inherited mutation in the TP53 gene. People with inherited mutations in TP53 have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which is linked to a very high lifetime risk for many types of cancer. Here we share his inspiring story and provide more information on Li-Fraumeni syndrome. (Posted 4/16/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Topic : Sex and intimacy after breast cancer
Most relevant for: People with breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer in sexual or intimate relationships and their partners
A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect relationships with romantic partners. This review highlights two studies that looked at how people with breast cancer and their partners are affected, how they cope, how best to communicate with each other and how to talk with healthcare providers about concerns related to cancer and sexuality. (Posted 8/8/23)
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: High
Strength of Science: High
Study : Treatment to reduce bone fractures also improves breast cancer survival in postmenopausal people
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Most relevant for: People with early-stage breast cancer who are post-menopausal
A large study looked at the effects of adding the bone-protective drug denosumab (Prolia), to standard hormone therapy for the treatment of early-stage, postmenopausal, HR-positive breast cancer. The researchers found that adding denosumab to aromatase inhibitor hormonal therapy improved bone health, disease-free survival and overall survival. (Posted 2/27/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Study : What influences aggressive end-of-life care for ovarian cancer?
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Most relevant for: People with advanced ovarian cancer
Aggressive medical treatment is often given to people with terminal ovarian cancer when prior treatment has stopped working. This aggressive end-of-life treatment conflicts with clinical guidelines, may increase pain and suffering and does not extend life. This study found that the end-of-life care that a person with ovarian cancer receives is influenced by their doctors. (Posted 1/3/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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