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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Keyword: ATM
Study : Effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy on the health and development of the child
Most relevant for: Women who were diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant
Very little work has studied how a woman's cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy affects her child. This study of women who were diagnosed with cancer while pregnant looks at their children at ages 18 months and 3 years. The study found no difference in general, cognitive, and cardiac development when compared to children born to healthy mothers. (12/08/2015)
Read MoreRelevance: Low
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
View Related Clinical TrialsStudy : Do antioxidants encourage the spread of cancer cells?
Relevance: Low
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Animal Studies
View Related Clinical TrialsMost relevant for: The clinical relevance of this study for people is not clear
Scientists do not yet know why some cancers spread to other parts of the body (a process called metastasis). A study in mice suggested that high doses of some antioxidants (chemicals that can protect cells from damage) might actually make it easier for cancer cells to spread. (12/01/2015)
Read MoreRelevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
View Related Clinical TrialsStudy : Aerobic exercise lowers estrogen levels in premenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
View Related Clinical TrialsMost 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)
Read MoreRelevance: Low
Quality of Writing: Low
Article : What “The Truth About Cancer” got wrong about BRCA mutations and cancer
Relevance: Low
Quality of Writing: Low
Most relevant for: Because this video is full of medical misinformation, it is not relevant for anyone making healthcare decisions
A website called thetruthaboutcancer.com, created a 9-part docu-series titled “The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest” (TACGQ). The video states that Angelina Jolie’s decision to remove her breasts was one made out of fear; one commentator states that her decision was “barbaric." This video contains a lot of dangerous misinformation about BRCA mutations and inherited cancer. FORCE XRAYS provides the following point-by-point analysis on "The Truth About Cancer." (11/10/2015)
Read MoreRelevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : New research may lead to a blood test that detects breast cancer recurrence earlier
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with early stage breast cancer
Recent headlines announced a blood test that can potentially predict which breast cancer survivors are at risk of recurrence. This particular blood test, one of many being developed, is sometimes called a “liquid biopsy.” This early research focuses on a technique that is promising, but not yet available to breast cancer survivors. (10/12/15)
Note: THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED on 11/07/19 with newly-published data. See our updated article: A new blood test may help predict early-stage breast cancer patients at highest risk for recurrence.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Study : Are more men with breast cancer opting for prophylactic mastectomy?
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium
Most relevant for: Men diagnosed with breast cancer
Recent headlines describe the rise in prophylactic double mastectomy for men with breast cancer. We looked at the research to see how many men are choosing this option and what it means for men with breast cancer. (10/6/15)
Read MoreRelevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Study : All DCIS is not the same: Young women and African American women at higher risk after DCIS diagnosis
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with DCIS
Diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), sometimes called stage 0 breast cancer, have increased in recent decades. Many people with DCIS wonder if they need aggressive treatment. A study looking at the survival of over 100,000 women found that breast cancer mortality after DCIS is low (3%), and identified groups of women who are at higher risk after DCIS. (9/8/15)
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