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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Categories Prevention, Screening
Study : Breast cancer screening should be tailored to a woman’s risk factors and breast density
Most relevant for: Women who are at high risk for breast cancer due to family history, dense breasts, LCIS, or multiple biopsies
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a screening mammogram every other year for women ages 50-74 who are at average risk for breast cancer. But do all patients in this category benefit from this screening regimen? 10/18/16
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Relevance: Medium-Low


Quality of Writing: Medium-Low


Personal Story : Dogs: Companions, hunters, and cancer detectors?
Most relevant for:
In August 2016, many news outlets published stories about how actress Shannen Doherty’s dog was able to sniff out her cancer before she was diagnosed. Is there scientific validity to that claim? (9/616)
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Early research on a drug to prevent breast cancer
Most relevant for: Women with a BRCA1 mutation
Many researchers are interested in non-surgical options to reduce the higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer in BRCA mutation carriers. This research study identified a type of drug, called a “RANK ligand inhibitor,” that may prevent breast cancer. Among mice that were genetically engineered to have no BRCA1 genes, those that were given the drug developed tumors less frequently than those that did not. While this is an exciting early study for BRCA mutation carriers, more work and human clinical trials need to be done before this can be used as a prevention therapy in humans. (7/12/16)
Update added 11/24/19: The RANK ligand inhibitor, denosumab is currently being studied as a possible breast and ovarian cancer preventive agent in human clinical trials.
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Breast cancer risk model updated for average risk women with genetic, lifestyle and environmental information
Most relevant for: Women at average risk for breast cancer
A number of factors are known to increase breast cancer risk, but some of these factors have not been included in models to predict breast cancer risk. This study looks at an updated model that includes some of these factors, such as genetics, smoking, and drinking. The goal of the model is to give women a more individualized breast cancer risk assessment. (6/29/16)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Dense breast notifications are informative but hard to read and understand
Most relevant for: Women with dense breast tissue on mammograms
Some states offer women dense breast notifications that are meant to explain that dense breasts are risk factors for breast cancer and can hide cancer on mammograms, and to identify appropriate supplemental screening options. But recent research found that this information is often not easy to read or understand, which questions the usefulness of the documents. (6/7/16)
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Study : Do women who eat a high fiber diet have a lower risk of breast cancer?
Most relevant for: Adolescent and young adult women
Some researchers believe that dietary fiber may decrease breast cancer risk by lowering estrogen levels in the blood. However, many previous studies have failed to find a link between fiber consumption and lower breast cancer risk. The current study suggests that consuming high dietary fiber during adolescence and young adulthood may lower breast cancer risk, but more work needs to be done to confirm this finding. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to eat a variety of high fiber foods for the many well-documented health benefits. (03/08/16)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : How do ultrasound and mammography compare in breast cancer screening?
Most relevant for: Young women at high risk for breast cancer with limited access to mammography and MRI is not easily accessible
Mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths; however, women in developing countries don’t have easy access to mammography. Ultrasound screening, on the other hand, is portable and less expensive, and could be an alternative to mammography. This study compared mammography to ultrasound in women with dense breasts and found the two techniques have similar cancer detection rates, although the false positive rate is higher with ultrasound. (02/16/16)
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Aerobic exercise lowers estrogen levels in premenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer
Most relevant for: High risk women with a BRCA mutation or a close relative with a BRCA mutation
Many treatments that lower estrogen levels also reduce breast cancer risk. Unfortunately, these treatments are also associated with negative side effects. A recent study looked at the effect of regular aerobic exercise on the estrogen levels of women who are at high risk for breast cancer. (11/14/2015)
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium-Low


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Breastfeeding may reduce hormone receptor negative breast cancer risk
Most relevant for: Women who are pregnant or have just given birth and are deciding about breastfeeding
Previous studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a reduced breast cancer risk. This study examines this association in the different breast cancer subtypes (ER, PR, HER2 negative/positive) and finds that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of ER-/PR- breast cancer. (11/16/2015)
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