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
All XRAYs
Topic : Reducing ovarian cancer risk without removing the ovaries
Most relevant for: People who are not at high risk of ovarian cancer who are having pelvic surgery
A leading ovarian cancer organization has recommended that all women who have pelvic surgery should also consider removing their fallopian tubes to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. (Posted 7/18/23)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Progestin birth control may slightly increase breast cancer risk
Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Most relevant for: People who are using or have recently used birth control containing only the hormone progestin
Different types of birth control carry different cancer risks. Birth control using the hormone progestin slightly increases the risk of breast cancer during use and for a few years after use. (Posted 7/10/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Breast cancer disparities among the LGBTQ+ community
Most relevant for: People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community
This study looked at differences in breast cancer treatment outcomes among people from the LGBTQ+ community. (Posted 6/28/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Guideline : What is breast density and why does it matter?
Relevance: Medium-High


Most relevant for: People who have mammograms
New FDA guidelines for mammograms will go into effect by September 2024. Current FDA guidance requires hospitals and breast centers to give people information about their breast density with their mammogram results. By September 2024, mammogram providers will need to relay to patients who have dense breast that they should discuss the need for additional imaging. This article provides an overview of what breast density means and why it matters. (Posted 6/8/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium


Topic : Impact of new laws on cancer treatment during pregnancy
Relevance: Medium


Most relevant for: People who have cancer who are pregnant
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that abortion is no longer a protected right under the Constitution. This landmark decision leaves regulation of abortion to the states. Cancer treatment during pregnancy may now be impacted in states that have abortion bans or limitations. (Posted 5/31/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Article : A food lover’s decision to remove her stomach highlights difficult decisions around cancer risk
Most relevant for: People with a CDH1 mutation or a family history of stomach cancer
National Public Radio reporter Sáša Woodruff shares her story of learning about her CDH1 mutation and making a decision about risk-reducing surgery. Mutations in the CDH1 gene significantly increase a person’s risk of stomach and breast cancers. Woodruff’s personal essay describes the psychological challenge of making decisions about risk-reducing surgeries and draws attention to a lesser-known mutation linked to hereditary cancer. (Posted 5/17/23)
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: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Hormonal birth control may reduce ovarian cancer risk in people with BRCA mutations
Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Human Research


Most relevant for: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are interested in reducing their ovarian cancer risk
Hormonal birth control pill is linked to reduced ovarian cancer among people with an inherited BRCA mutation. Longer-acting forms of birth control given by implant, injection or as an intrauterine device may be associated with lower ovarian cancer risk for people with an inherited BRCA mutation. (Posted 4/28/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Hair straightening products linked to small increased risk of endometrial cancer
Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Human Research


Most relevant for: People who use hair straightening products
Many people use products to straighten their hair. Use of these products, especially frequent use, is linked to a small increase in endometrial cancer. (Posted 4/18/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Breast cancer outcomes improved with CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment
Relevance: High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Most relevant for: People with HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer
A study showed that people with metastatic breast cancer who took an oral drug known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor combined with hormone therapy did better than people who took hormone therapy alone. The drug combination improved the length of time before cancer worsened or returned. After six years of treatment, people who took this drug combination lived longer compared to those who took hormone therapy alone. (Posted 4/5/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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