The eight most common and deadly types of cancer lung, stomach, breast, colon, liver, breast, esophagus, mouth and cervix have at least one lifestyle factor that plays a major contributing role, with tobacco use leading the way. These are almost entirely preventable diseases, particularly the smoking epidemic. While the WHO estimates that by 2025, more than 60 percent of all deaths will come among people over age 65, for now, a quarter to one-fifth of all deaths still come to children under age 5, including 5 million babies in developing nations who die in their first month. Tens of thousands of Americans, many of them in the military, were given nasal radium treatments years ago, a treatment that may increase their risk of developing cancer and other medical problems today. One scientist's quest to bring this to light has finally led to government promises to investigate and help those affected.
Anxiety disorders can wreak havoc with family life, but help is available.
Molecular biologists at the University of Colorado have developed the first map of human chromosome 18, including genes associated with several forms of cancer. There's new evidence about the harm of second-hand smoke. In the near future, stitches for most wounds could be a thing of the past. Doctors find an adhesive closes wounds more quickly and helps them heal as well. Researchers identify a defect in heart cells that may explain why the muscle loses its ability to pump blood in people suffering from hypertension and perhaps other types of heart failure.