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 Emotional Health
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Male breast cancer: Patient and surgeon experiences
Most relevant for: Men with breast cancer
By surveying male breast cancer patients and the surgeons who treat them, researchers gained insight into the experiences of both groups, shedding light on an important issue for men with breast cancer. (Posted 12/22/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Study : Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk
Most relevant for: Mothers who have had genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 whether or not they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
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.
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Relevance: High


Quality of Writing: Medium-High


Article : How your ovarian cancer diagnosis can help your relatives
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with ovarian cancer
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.
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Article : Transgender peoples' perspectives of being diagnosed with gender-associated cancer
Most relevant for: transgender people
An ABC News article provides viewpoints and data that conveys the added stress experienced by transgender and gender-nonconforming people when they are diagnosed with gender-associated cancer (e.g., ovarian or prostate cancer) that does not match their gender identity. (posted 9/13/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Healthy romantic relationships may decrease stress and inflammation for breast cancer survivors
Most relevant for: Women with breast cancer who have romantic partners
Satisfying romantic relationships may improve outcomes for women with breast cancer. In a new study, women who were more satisfied with their romantic relationships experienced less stress and lower inflammation. This study suggests that decreasing stress may be beneficial for breast cancer survivors. (7/25/20)
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Study : How does a breast cancer diagnosis affect employment of young women?
Most relevant for: Young women with breast cancer
Most young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer remain employed one year after their diagnosis. Among breast cancer patients who were unemployed a year later, half reported that their unemployment was due to health issues. The issues that were most associated with unemployment were stage of cancer and financial stress prior to diagnosis. (1/10/20)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Quality of Writing: Medium-High


Article : Cancer experience in families affects decision making
Most relevant for: Women with an inherited mutation linked to increased risk for cancer
Women with inherited mutations in genes that increase breast and ovarian cancer risk have an additional challenge: coping with how those mutations impact their families and how a family member’s cancer experience can shape their own perception. In a recent U.S. News and World Report article, Elaine Howley explores how a woman's decisions about healthcare, cancer prevention and treatment are affected by experience with cancer in the family. (9/25/18)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium


Study : Take your time, follow your heart: strategies for communication about family planning
Most relevant for: Young high risk women
When a woman is newly diagnosed with a BRCA mutation, she faces many risk management decisions. Although many of these decisions impact family planning, little guidance is available on how to communicate this information. This study examines female previvors’ advice on effective strategies for discussing family planning decisions. (03/28/18)
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Study : Friends and family may help breast cancer survival
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with breast cancer
Does having a large social network help breast cancer survivors have better outcomes? Research from the current study found that socially isolated breast cancer survivors had an increased risk of recurrence and breast cancer-specific mortality. (3/16/17)
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