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
Keyword: medicine
Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Article : Genetic testing and the future of medicine
Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People interested in genetic testing.
An article published in Katie Couric Media discusses genetic testing and how it can impact health. The author talked with Dr. Robert Steiner, a doctor who specializes in genetics. He talked about genetic testing and how the results can affect health and change lives. (Posted 9/28/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Breast cancer disparities among the LGBTQ+ community
Most relevant for: People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community
This study looked at differences in breast cancer treatment outcomes among people from the LGBTQ+ community. (Posted 6/28/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Frequent aspirin use may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
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.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Promising early results for people with DNA mismatch repair deficient rectal cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with rectal cancer with high mutational burden or mismatch repair problems including people with Lynch syndrome.
A small research study tested the usefulness of the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab for treating locally advanced rectal cancer with a biomarker known as “dMMR” (DNA mismatch repair deficient). None of the participants had evidence of cancer six months later; some remained cancer free for up to 25 months). Many participants had Lynch syndrome. The remarkable response to this treatment may allow people with this particular subtype of rectal cancer to avoid potentially life-changing rectal surgery. (Posted 11/14/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Bone-protecting drugs cut the risks for fractures caused by metastatic prostate cancer treatments
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
Skeletal problems, especially bone fractures, are common in patients with advanced prostate cancer. To prevent these, many guidelines recommend the use of bone-protecting agents during treatment. The importance of giving a bone-protecting agent when treating patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases was confirmed in early results of an ongoing phase III trial. (11/5/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Birth control pills may offer long-term protection against endometrial and ovarian cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People concerned about endometrial, ovarian or breast cancer risk
A large study showed that birth control pills may protect against endometrial and ovarian cancers, even years after use was discontinued. (posted 6/1/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Can tumor tests identify more breast cancer patients who can safely skip chemotherapy?
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Women with breast cancer
Two studies presented at the December 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium looked at how tumor testing can identify patients who may benefit the most and the least from chemotherapy. (3/4/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Topic : COVID-19 and cancer
Relevance: High
Most relevant for: People in treatment for cancer, or people scheduled for surgery
The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes in our communities. In this XRAY review we focus on the intersection between COVID-19 and cancer: who may be immunosuppressed, coping with changes in surveillance or treatment, and evaluating and dealing with media. (4/13/20)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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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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Study : Do Vitamin B supplements alter breast cancer risk for women with BRCA mutations?
Most relevant for: High risk women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Vitamins are an essential part of our diet. Vitamin supplements are often used to improve general health. This study explores how vitamin B supplements may affect breast cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations. (5/17/19)
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