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 Quality of Life
Relevance: Medium
Personal Story : Living a full life with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
This XRAY review is about a five-time cancer survivor who has an inherited mutation in the TP53 gene. People with inherited mutations in TP53 have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which is linked to a very high lifetime risk for many types of cancer. Here we share his inspiring story and provide more information on Li-Fraumeni syndrome. (Posted 4/16/24)
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Update : News from the FDA - Two new metastatic colorectal cancer treatments
Most relevant for: People with colorectal cancer
The FDA recently approved two new treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer. (Posted 3/22/24)
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Topic : Sex and intimacy after breast cancer
Most relevant for: People with breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer in sexual or intimate relationships and their partners
A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect relationships with romantic partners. This review highlights two studies that looked at how people with breast cancer and their partners are affected, how they cope, how best to communicate with each other and how to talk with healthcare providers about concerns related to cancer and sexuality. (Posted 8/8/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Early removal of ovaries may be linked to small increase in risk of Parkinson’s disease in later life
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Women considering risk-reducing removal of both ovaries
The lifetime risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is low. However, having surgery to remove both ovaries before natural menopause can slightly increase the risk of Parkinson's disease later in life. Researchers studied over 20 years of medical records, which confirmed this small increase in risk, particularly for women who have their ovaries removed before age 43. (Posted 5/3/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Study : Treatment to reduce bone fractures also improves breast cancer survival in postmenopausal people
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Most relevant for: People with early-stage breast cancer who are post-menopausal
A large study looked at the effects of adding the bone-protective drug denosumab (Prolia), to standard hormone therapy for the treatment of early-stage, postmenopausal, HR-positive breast cancer. The researchers found that adding denosumab to aromatase inhibitor hormonal therapy improved bone health, disease-free survival and overall survival. (Posted 2/27/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Study : What influences aggressive end-of-life care for ovarian cancer?
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Most relevant for: People with advanced ovarian cancer
Aggressive medical treatment is often given to people with terminal ovarian cancer when prior treatment has stopped working. This aggressive end-of-life treatment conflicts with clinical guidelines, may increase pain and suffering and does not extend life. This study found that the end-of-life care that a person with ovarian cancer receives is influenced by their doctors. (Posted 1/3/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Male breast cancer: Patient and surgeon experiences
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: Men with breast cancer
By surveying male breast cancer patients and the surgeons who treat them, researchers gained insight into the experiences of both groups, shedding light on an important issue for men with breast cancer. (Posted 12/22/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Guideline : Guidelines on exercise, diet, and weight during cancer treatment
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People currently undergoing treatment for cancer
Most professional guidelines on exercise, diet and weight management have focused on the health of the general population and cancer survivors. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has now published evidence-based recommendations for exercise, diet and weight specifically for people who are in active treatment for cancer. (Posted 11/29/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Mothers who have had genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 whether or not they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
Little is known about how awareness of hereditary cancer in a high-risk family affects the quality of life of teens and young adults. This study looked at the lifestyle choices, cancer awareness and quality of life of adolescents and young adults whose mothers had undergone testing for a BRCA mutation. (Posted 10/11/2022) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Acupuncture may ease breast cancer treatment side effects
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People considering acupuncture for managing breast cancer treatment symptoms.
Acupuncture can ease some symptoms of breast cancer treatment. Multiple studies found that acupuncture is a safe and effective strategy to manage certain symptoms but also called for more rigorous research on the topic. (Posted 9/28/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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