That's because the tumors often grow very slowly, and most men who test positive are likely to die from some other cause. Given this history, Catalona admits it will be hard to convince doctors or patients to seek more biopsies. Dr. Bruce Chabner of Massachusetts General Hospital and colleagues, editorializing on the journal studies, said the debate can only be settled by ongoing large studies of screening and treatment sponsored by the government that won't be finished for at least a decade. 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.