When you think about the more than 200 bones that comprise the skeletal framework supporting your body, you probably envision them as sturdy, rigid, and unchanged. Actually, your bones are in a constant state of flux. Cells known as osteoclasts break down weakened portions of the bone, while cells called … Read More
People with fair complexions, red hair, blue eyes, and freckles typically are considered to be at greater risk of skin cancer than their darker-skinned counterparts. Research has shown that melanomas and other skin cancers occur more commonly in Caucasians than in other racial groups. However, a new study suggests that … Read More
Once you’ve received the sobering news that you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, the next step is to discuss a personalized breast cancer treatment plan with your medical team. Your doctor’s recommendations will involve many factors, including your age, medical history, the type, location, and size of the cancer, and … Read More
Here’s the deal: A benign tumor is still a tumor. No, it’s not cancer, but it’s still an abnormal growth that shouldn’t be present in your body. And anything abnormal, including a benign tumor, needs to be monitored, at the very least. Obviously, the diagnosis of a benign tumor is … Read More
Unless you live under a rock, you know that smoking is bad for your health. Tobacco-related diseases kill more than 480,000 people each year in the United States alone, accounting for around 20 percent of all premature deaths. If you’re a smoker, the habit can shorten your life by up … Read More
Each year, some 230,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in American women, and about one in eight American women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point. Breast cancer represents the second-most common cancer in women after skin cancer, and it’s the second-leading cause of death in women … Read More
Millions of Americans are diagnosed with some form of cancer every year, and many rely on chemotherapy to fight it. Chemotherapy involves the use of strong medications to kill cancer cells, slow the cancer’s growth, and/or keep the cancer from spreading. Chemotherapy is frequently used in conjunction with surgery or … Read More
People are understandably concerned when told they need a biopsy. What is a biopsy? What is the purpose? How is it performed? Who does it? Where? Does it hurt? What are the risks? What will the results mean? What happens next? Here are the answers to those questions and more. … Read More
You've heard the warnings about the dangers of skin cancer over and over again, and you know the importance of protecting your skin from the sun using sunscreen and clothing, but do you know what skin cancer symptoms to look for? Depending on your medical and family history, you may … Read More
Glioblastoma is a relatively rare brain cancer that affects 3 of 100,000 people in the United States. Pronounced "gly-oh blass toh mah," it develops in star-shaped cells called astrocytes (see sidebar below) that spread quickly to other parts of the brain or spinal cord but not to other parts of … Read More
