Categories Prevention, Screening

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)

Guideline : What is breast density and why does it matter?

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.

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.

Study : Early removal of ovaries may be linked to small increase in risk of Parkinson’s disease in later life

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.

Study : Hormonal birth control may reduce ovarian cancer risk in people with BRCA mutations

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)

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Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation

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.

Study : Frequent aspirin use may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer

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.

Update : Breast cancer vaccine trial begins enrolling people with BRCA1 and PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: People with a BRCA1 or PALB2 mutation undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy

A new vaccine was first tested on people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The vaccine is now being tested to prevent breast cancer among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or PALB2 who are at high risk and who are planning to have a risk-reducing mastectomy. (Posted 1/9/23) Este artículo está disponible en español.

Topic : Cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations

Most relevant for: Americans Indians and Alaska Natives

The American Cancer Society released a special section in their 2022 Cancer Facts & Figures report that discussed cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations in the United States. This review highlights the special section’s main points, including disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis and survival rates in native communities, as well as factors contributing to those disparities. (Posted 12/20/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Liquid biopsies personalize early-stage colon cancer treatment

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.