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
Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Do artificial sweeteners increase the risk of cancer?
Most relevant for: People who consume artificial sweeteners
A large study of adults in France suggests that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of certain cancers. (posted 6/21/2022)
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Increasing melatonin use raises concerns
Most relevant for: people who take or consider taking melatonin to help with sleep.
Adult use of melatonin as a sleep aid has increased even though its benefits and risks are not well understood. This study looked at trends in melatonin use over the last 19 years. (Posted 4/14/2022)
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Do sugared beverages increase the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer?
Most relevant for: Healthy people with an average colorectal cancer risk
A study of female nurses in the U.S. suggests that a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of colorectal cancer before age 50. However, researchers saw few early-onset colorectal cancer cases which limited the findings. (posted 9/21/21)
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Relevance: High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Drinking coffee or tea may improve survival after breast cancer
Most relevant for: Women with breast cancer who drink coffee or tea.
In a study of 8,900 women with stage 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer, those who drank coffee survived longer after a breast cancer diagnosis than those who did not drink coffee. Both coffee and tea were linked to improved survival from any cause. Several factors were linked to greater coffee or tea consumption, so this finding must be taken with some caution. However, breast cancer survivors who are regular coffee or tea drinkers may find this research reassuring. (posted 8/31/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: High


Update : Cancer disparities: Colorectal cancer in African Americans
Most relevant for: African Americans concerned about colorectal cancer
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released a 2020 report about cancer disparities among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In this XRAY review, we highlight data from the report about the burden of colorectal cancer in African Americans, who have the highest rates of diagnosis and death related to the disease among all racial and ethnic groups. (Posted 4/27/21)
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Relevance: Medium-High


Strength of Science: Medium-High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Body Mass Index (BMI) may affect how well aspirin use protects against colorectal and ovarian cancer
Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk of colorectal or ovarian cancer.
This study looked at the impact of daily aspirin use on the risk for many types of cancers and whether this effect can be modified by risk factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity or a family history of cancer. Daily aspirin use:
- lowered the risk for colorectal cancer, but this effect was lost as Body Mass Index (BMI) increased.
- lowered the risk of ovarian cancer risk among obese women.
- offered little or no protection against breast, endometrial or advanced prostate cancer.
(3/19/21)
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Relevance: Medium-Low


Strength of Science: Medium-Low


Research Timeline: Human Research


Study : Dairy milk may slightly raise breast cancer risk
Most relevant for: Women who consume dairy or soy
Debate continues about whether consuming soy or dairy products increases breast cancer risk. This study looked at a large number of women and found no link between soy and breast cancer risk. The study did find that postmenopausal women who drank dairy milk have a small increase in breast cancer risk. (09/04/20)
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Relevance: High


Quality of Writing: High


Personal Story : Improving the quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
A Washington Post article described the cancer experience of a young woman living with metastatic breast cancer. It also highlights how integrative medicine and palliative care, including acupuncture, massage, yoga, pain management, mental health therapy and nutrition can improve quality of life for people with metastatic cancer. (3/10/20)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium


Strength of Science: Medium


Study : Can taking dietary supplements during chemotherapy do more harm than good?
Most relevant for: People undergoing breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy
It's common for people to take dietary supplements after being diagnosed with cancer; however, they may reduce how well chemotherapy works. A new study suggests that some dietary supplements may cause more harm than benefit for breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. (3/4/20)
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Relevance: High


Strength of Science: High


Research Timeline: Post Approval


Study : Women who exercise have lower breast cancer risk whether or not they have a family history of breast cancer
Most relevant for: Young, high risk women
The effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk was looked at in a study of over 15,000 women. The results suggest that exercise lowers breast cancer risk regardless of family history of breast cancer or menopausal status. (12/6/19)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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