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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.
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Showing 11 through 20 out of 21

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: Medium

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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Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

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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Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

Study : Does prior antidepressant use affect the treatment breast cancer patients receive?

Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have received antidepressants

Previous research found an association between depression and survival in breast cancer patients, but the reasons for this association are unclear. Researchers in this study found that women who had been previously prescribed antidepressants were less likely to receive breast cancer treatment that followed national guidelines than those who had not. Although the difference was small, it underscores the need for patients to discuss any history of depression with their health care providers. (1/24/17)

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Relevance: Medium-High

Quality of Writing: High

Personal Story : CBS News brings attention to the issues facing young metastatic breast cancer patients

Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer

Beth Caldwell is a former civil rights lawyer, a mother of two, and a wife who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer when she 37. Mary Brophy Marcus covered Beth’s story in her piece, “The hardest part” of breast cancer under 40, for CBS News. (11/8/16)

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Relevance: High

Strength of Science: Medium

Study : How beneficial is online communication after a new diagnosis of breast cancer?

Most relevant for:

Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients often use online communication to find more information about their diagnoses and treatment options. But does online communication benefit these patients' decision-making process? (8/30/16)

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Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Human Research

Most relevant for: Breast cancer survivors and people in treatment who are experiencing fatigue

Breast cancer survivors commonly report experiencing considerable fatigue, which can lead to sleep problems and poor quality of life. Yet, there are no good therapies for these patients. This research study looks at whether self-administered acupressure can help breast cancer survivors with their fatigue. (8/9/16)

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Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

Study : Is there a link between exercise and memory in breast cancer survivors?

Most relevant for: People diagnosed with early stage breast cancer

Exercise has many health benefits, but can it also help improve memory for breast cancer survivors? This research finds that breast cancer survivors who exercised more had less fatigue and distress (anxiety, depression, stress, and/or concern about recurrence) and scored better on memory tests. (8/2/16)

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Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Study : Financial burden affects quality of life of cancer survivors

Most relevant for: People diagnosed with cancer

Cancer-related financial burden can keep survivors from getting the care that they need, yet how this burden affects mental and physical health is still unknown. A study found that almost one-third of cancer survivors report having financial burden; those most likely to be affected were under age 65, female, members of racial or ethnic minority groups, and people who lack access to adequate insurance. (5/17/16)

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