Categories Genetic Testing, Prevention

Study : Do Vitamin B supplements alter breast cancer risk for women with BRCA mutations?

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

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Most relevant for: High risk women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation

Vitamins are an essential part of our diet. Vitamin supplements are often used to improve general health. This study explores how vitamin B supplements may affect breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations. (5/17/19)

Guideline : Breast surgeons recommend genetic testing for all breast cancer patients

Relevance: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

Most relevant for: Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer

The American Society of Breast Surgeons published statement on genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer on February 10, 2019. It includes recommendations about who should be tested. Among these is the recommendation that all breast cancer patients get genetic testing, as well as women who do not have breast cancer but fit the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. (3/25/19)

Study : Gaps in information about breast cancer risk and prevention impact African American women

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: African American women who are at high risk for breast cancer

A study showed that African American women with increased breast cancer risk experienced greater burdens in obtaining information at each step compared to white women. Racial differences in preventive choices correlated with differences in information and provider access. (3/14/19)

Study : Prevalence of BRCA founder mutations in Bahamian women

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

Most relevant for: Bahamanian women

The Bahamas has the highest known frequency of BRCA mutations among people diagnosed with breast cancer. This study reviewed whether population-based BRCA testing (testing everyone regardless of family or personal history of cancer) would be an effective approach for finding mutation carriers in the Bahamas. (3/4/19)

Study : Breast cancer implant study suggests links with illness but has serious flaws

Relevance: Medium-Low

Strength of Science: Low

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: Women with or considering breast implant reconstruction

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED: In October 2021, the FDA issued guidance for people with breast implants Read our latest review on this topic.  

An article in the Annals of Surgery, researchers conclude that their work supports an association between silicone breast implants and a range of conditions. This journal article was accompanied by two editorials in which experts voiced their disagreement with the way the analysis was performed and the conclusions of the authors. (2/21/19)

Study : Inherited breast cancer in Nigerian women

Relevance: Medium-High

Strength of Science: High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

Most relevant for: Nigerian women or women of Nigerian descent who have breast cancer

A new study shows that among Nigerian women, one in eight cases of breast cancer is due to an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 or TP53. (12/5/18)

Study : Can population-based DNA sequencing find more people at risk for hereditary cancers?

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: Women over age 30

It is well documented that many BRCA mutation carriers are missed using current family history-based screening approaches. As a result, experts are beginning to call for population-based BRCA genetic testing—an organized effort to screen all women like we do for breast and cervical cancer.  A recent study looked at whether a population-based genetic testing approach would better identify mutation carriers compared with current practice. (11/17/18)

Study : Surgeon attitude impacts rate of genetic testing after a breast cancer diagnosis

Relevance: High

Strength of Science: Medium-High

Research Timeline: Post Approval

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Most relevant for: Young women diagnosed with breast cancer who have not yet had genetic testing

A study in JAMA Surgery this year examined the factors that impact genetic testing after a breast cancer diagnosis. This study suggests that the attitudes of attending surgeons about genetic testing have the most impact on whether patients receive testing. (10/6/18)

Study : A new method for determining whether genetic variants in BRCA1 increase cancer risk

Relevance: Medium-Low

Strength of Science: Medium

Research Timeline: Human Research

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Most relevant for: People who have a Variant of Uncertain Significance in a gene associated with cancer risk.

Ever since BRCA1 was discovered, researchers have been trying to understand which of the thousands of possible DNA changes in this gene increase cancer risk and which are harmless changes.  A new study in Nature reports how a cutting-edge technology called “genome editing” may be used to classify changes—known as variants of uncertain significance-in BRCA1 as harmful or harmless. Once validated, this same technology may be used to classify variants in other genes. (9/29/18)

Article : Cancer experience in families affects decision making

Relevance: Medium-High

Quality of Writing: Medium-High

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)