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 Prevention, Screening
Relevance: High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Gaps in information about breast cancer risk and prevention impact African American women
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Prevalence of BRCA founder mutations in Bahamian women
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)
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Relevance: Medium-Low


Strength of Science: Low


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Breast cancer implant study suggests links with illness but has serious flaws
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Study : Breast cancer risk increases modestly after childbirth
Most relevant for: Women in their childbearing years
Does having children alter the risk of breast cancer? Women who give birth have a lower lifetime risk of breast cancer. However, newer data suggests that breast cancer risk increases immediately after childbirth. A study published in December 2018 examines data from the Premenopausal Breast Cancer Collective Group seeking to clarify this issue. (12/28/18)
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Relevance: High


Strength of Science: High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


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


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Hormone therapy and breast cancer risk after ovary removal in women with a BRCA1 mutation
Most relevant for: Women with BRCA1 mutations who have had risk-reducing ovary removal and have never been diagnosed with breast cancer
Does hormone therapy (HT) alter the risk of breast cancer for woman carrying a BRCA1 mutation who have never been diagnosed with cancer? In this study, researchers showed that among women with BRCA1 mutations, HT use did not increase breast cancer rates for 10 years after ovary removal. More women taking combined estrogen plus progesterone developed breast cancer compared to those taking estrogen only, though this difference was not statistically significant. (9/7/18)

Article : Interview with Angelina Jolie's doctor promotes meatless diet and scientific inaccuracies
Most relevant for:
Dr. Kristi Funk, Angelina Jolie's Hollywood breast surgeon, is promoting her new book about breast cancer. This article from the UK newspaper The Times includes an interview with Funk about her book, which proposes that diet is responsible for breast cancer. This XRAYS addresses scientific inaccuracies in this article. (8/7/18)
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Evaluation of some direct-to-consumer genetic testing reveals inaccuracies and misinterpretations
Most relevant for: People who are considering or have had direct-to-consumer testing
A clinical genetic testing laboratory examined results from direct-to-consumer genetic testing ordered directly by patients. They found many instances of false positives—reported mutations that were not actually present—and in some cases, reports of variants that "increased risk," but were actually benign. This study emphasized the importance of involving genetics experts in the interpretation of genetic test results. (6/28/18)
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Relevance: High


Strength of Science: High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Disparities in research impact breast screening guidelines
Most relevant for: Women at average risk for breast cancer
For women at average risk of breast cancer, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently recommends beginning annual breast cancer screening at age 50. However, because these guidelines are largely based on data from white women, they may not be sensitive to racial differences. A new study assesses the age distribution of breast cancer cases across race/ethnicity in the U.S. (6/21/18)
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