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 Cancer Risk
Topic : Colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults: What Millennials and Gen Zs need to know
Most relevant for: Young adults
The rate of colorectal cancer among young adults in the US has been increasing since the 1990s. Scientists are trying to figure out why. (Posted 8/15/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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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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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-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: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
Most relevant for: People with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 concerned about their breast cancer risk
A study that looked at normal breast cells from women with an inherited BRCA mutation found more DNA damage among women who were overweight (based on a measurement known as body mass index) than those who were not overweight. The results suggest that maintaining a lower weight may reduce breast cancer among this high-risk population. (Posted 3/30/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Increasing soy in your diet may lower your cancer risk
Most relevant for: People interested in reducing cancer risk
This study looked at a link between a diet rich in soy and cancer risk. With the addition of more recent literature, this study suggests that soy lowers the risk of cancer in the general population. (Posted 2/24/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Frequent aspirin use may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Healthy people at high-risk of ovarian cancer.
Aspirin may help lower the risk of ovarian cancer in people who have a high risk of the disease, according to a new analysis of 17 studies. While other preventive strategies have been found to more effectively lower the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer in high-risk women, taking aspirin daily or almost daily may reduce a person’s risk of developing ovarian cancer by 13 percent. The benefit was greater among people with additional risk factors for the disease. (Posted 2/22/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Liquid biopsies personalize early-stage colon cancer treatment
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with early-stage colorectal cancer
Liquid biopsies look for DNA or other products from cancer cells in the blood or other body fluids. These tests may be used to help find cancer recurrence early, monitor response to treatment or guide treatment selection for people diagnosed with cancer. This study looked at a type of liquid biopsy called “circulating tumor” (ctDNA) to identify people with early-stage colon cancer who can safely skip chemotherapy after surgery. (Posted 11/22/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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